Key Learning Goals - Science:
2.01b Be able to prepare a simple investigation which is fair, with one changing factor
2.01c Be able to predict the outcome of investigations
2.01d Be able to use simple scientific equipment
2.01e Be able to test ideas using evidence from observation and measurement
2.01f Be able to link evidence to broader scientific knowledge and understanding
2.01g Be able to use evidence to draw conclusions
Key Learning Goals - Geography:
2.02 Be able to design and make products to meet specific needs
2.03 Be able to make usable plans
2.04 Be able to make and use labelled sketches as designs
2.05 Be able to use simple tools and equipment with some accuracy
2.06 Be able to identify and implement improvements to their designs and products
The Big Idea
Without forces to push and pull us along, nothing on Earth or in the wider Universe would move. Forces are so important that it is almost impossible to imagine a world without them – and yet, they are invisible.
In Science, we’ll be finding out:
- What forces are and where they come from
- What friction is and how we use friction
- How we can reduce or increase friction
- How to measure the strength of a force
- How magnets and magnetic forces work
In Technology, we’ll be finding out:
- How to design and make a marble run
- How to add sounds, lights and control mechanisms to a structure
In International, we’ll be finding out:
- About extreme and dangerous forces
The force is with us, always. Actually, it's more like many forces are acting on us all at the same time. From friction to magnetism, gravity to drag—forces always cause a push or a pull in a certain direction, at a specific magnitude. Adding up these vectors of force tells us if an object will move faster or slower, shift left or turn around, come to a complete stop or fly off into space! Feeling forced out of your comfort zone? Not to worry: Tim and Moby will explain exactly how forces sometimes settle into a balance and how unbalanced forces can set things in motion.
Gravity - BrainPOP Jr
Magnets - BrainPOP Jr
Pushes & Pulls - BrainPOP Jr
Simple Machines - BrainPOP Jr
Sink or Float - BrainPOP Jr
See more relevant resources on BrainPop
Explore the forces of gravity, friction, air resistance and water resistance. Recognise simple machines and understand how they can allow a smaller force to have a greater effect.
Learn about magnetism, magnets around us and the Earth as a magnet with these videos and activities. Further resources will help you to plan and undertake an investigation.
http://www.adrianbruce.com/computers/mindmap/mindmap.htm
Adrian Bruce website allows you to download free mind-mapping software.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/science/physical_processes/friction/play/
BBC Bitesize website has a friction game designed to test the children’-s knowledge of friction.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/forces-in-action/1601.html
BBC Learning zone website has a video clip that illustrates forces in action.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/digger/7_9entry/7.shtml
BBC Schools website has a ‘Ride the Bobsled’- game, where the children have to decide what to do when the bobsled gets stuck
http://www.science.dke-encyc.com
Dorling Kindersley Science Encyclopedia website has a useful search facility
http://www.exploratorium.edu/baseball/
Exploratorium website features the science behind baseball. Suitable for older children in the age group or for teacher reference.
http://www.exploratorium.edu/cycling/
Exploratorium website features the science behind cycling. Suitable for older children in the age group or for teacher reference.
http://www.exploratorium.edu/hockey/
Exploratorium website features the science behind hockey. Suitable for older children in the age group or for teacher reference.
http://www.exploratorium.edu/skateboarding/trick02.html
Exploratorium website has videos and force diagrams explaining the science behind skateboard tricks. Suitable for older children in the age group or for teacher reference.
http://www.racemath.info/forcesandpressure/ks2_force.htm
Motorsport Mathematics website looks at the forces acting on racing cars.
http://quest.nasa.gov/aero/background/#forces
Nasa website explains about the forces acting on an aeroplane.
http://teacher.scholastic.com/dirtrep/friction/invest.htm
Scholastic website has a feature about friction for teacher reference.
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/scientists/isaacnewton.html
Science Kids website has a biography of Isaac Newton.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwPc0kK9VHU&feature=fvwrel
YouTube has this video entitled ‘Best Idea Ever!’-: a funny take on the anecdote of Isaac Newton and the falling apple.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZgcTuwGlhg
YouTube has this video of a homemade marble run that includes the use of magnets.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlWr_uJQmiY
YouTube has this video of an amazing LEGO marble run.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tls-Jli6eQE
YouTube has this video of the world’-s strongest man (2008) pulling a Boeing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zsck2jOBsTM
YouTube has this video showing how air resistance acts on the speed of a toy car.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ur40O6nQHsw
YouTube has this video showing how gravity and air resistance act on a sky diver.