A force is a push or a pull. Forces can make objects change speed, change direction or change shape.

Air resistance is a type of friction force which acts between the air and the surface of an object.

Friction is a type of force that acts between surfaces.

A fair test is where only one thing is changed to see what effect that has on the results of the investigation.

Variables are things which can be changed in an investigation.

Air resistance: plan

Science

In this Forces and simple machines unit, pupils learn that air resistance, water resistance and friction push back against moving objects. In this Forces unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to accurately describe and explain the actions of forces in a range of situations.

In the Simple forces including magnets unit, pupils learnt to compare how things move on different surfaces. In this Forces including simple machines unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to identify the effects of air resistance, water resistance and friction, that act between moving surfaces

Forces including simple machines

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Name for the force caused by air moving against the surface of an object.  

Objects with greater air resistance will fall more {{}} than objects with less air resistance. 

Which of these statements are true about how you should treat variables in a fair test investigation?

A racing car trying to cross the finish line first.

Match the word to the example.  Is air resistance helpful or unhelpful in these situations? 

In which direction does air resistance act? 

What is the type of force that acts between two surfaces trying to move across each other? 

What does friction do to moving objects? 

Name the force which pulls unsupported objects towards the centre of Earth.

Rubbing your hands together to warm them.

In which of these situations is friction useful? 

Friction works in the {{}} direction to the movement.

Content guidance

Exploration of objects

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Air resistance: plan

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.