Reducing friction: practical
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can collect data to test the effectiveness of different lubricants, taking steps to ensure a fair test.
Key learning points
- Lubricants are substances added between two surfaces to reduce the friction between them.
- In a fair test, only the variable we are testing is changed.
- In a fair test, everything we are not testing is kept the same for every measurement.
- Repeat measurements help check for anomalous results.
- A mean combines repeat measurements into a single result.
Keywords
Lubricant - Lubricants are substances added between two surfaces to reduce the friction between them.
Fair test - In a fair test, only the variable being tested is changed, so any differences in results can only be due to that variable.
Anomalous result - Anomalous results are ones that do not fit the pattern we see for other measurements.
Repeat measurement - A repeat measurement is when you make a measurement again to check the result.
Mean - A mean combines repeat measurements into a single result.
Common misconception
Friction is only between solids that are rubbing together.
Highlight the different amounts of friction between the solids that are separated by different liquids.
Teacher tip
The task in learning cycle 2 involves pupils calculating mean results for sample data, this allows easier assessment of understanding of all students. Teachers might consider whether students could calculate means for their own collected data too.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.An object is set sliding across a surface. The greater the friction, the the distance the object will slide, before it stops.
Q2.For an experiment to be a fair test, how many things can be changed between each test?
Q3.How do scientists check for mistakes in their results during the experiment?
Q4.A scientist slides a mass across a desk four times, in the same way each time. The distances travelled by the mass each time were 34, 37, 55 and 35 cm. Which result is probably a mistake?
Q5.Which of the following statements are examples of lubricants (substances added to reduce friction)?
Q6.A scientist slides a mass across a desk four times, in the same way each time. The distances travelled by the mass each time were 54, 57, 54, and 55 cm. What should be used as the final result?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A lubricant is a substance added to a surface to reduce the ...
Q2.What is an anomalous result?
Q3.A scientist slides a mass across a desk three times, in the same way each time. The distances travelled by the mass were 20, 24 and 25 cm. Calculate the mean result. Mean result = cm.
Q4.A scientist slides a mass across a desk four times, in the same way each time, to check for mistakes. The distances travelled by the mass were 22, 19, 23, and 46 cm. Which result is anomalous?
Q5.Which is the correct reason why, in a fair test, the only thing we change is the variable we are testing, and everything we are not testing has to be kept the same?
Q6.A scientist slides a mass across a desk four times, in the same way each time. The distances travelled by the mass were 70, 73, 34 and 69 cm. Calculate the mean result. Mean result = cm.
To help you plan your 7 science lesson on: Reducing friction: practical, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 science lesson on: Reducing friction: practical, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Forces unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.