The surface is the top or outside layer of something.

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

Friction is a type of force that acts between surfaces.

Variables are factors that can be changed in an investigation.

Friction: 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

Friction is the force between two objects, or {{}} that are moving, or trying to move, across each other.

Which one of these statements does **not** describe a variable?

If the enquiry question is, "Do different types of sports shoes have different friction?",  which variable should you change? 

Friction always works in the {{}} direction to the moving object.

It is too complicated to change more than one variable.

It allows us to learn the effect of all of the variables.

It allows us to know that no other variable has affected the results.

Why should we only change one variable in a scientific investigation?

Do rough or smooth surfaces create greater friction forces? 

Which of these is **not** how a scientist would describe a force?

What type of meter do you measure forces with? 

Magnets can pull some objects towards them from a distance. What type of force is magnetism?

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz