Forces including simple machines
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Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils' prior learning from Simple forces including magnets, where they explored basic forces such as pushes, pulls, and magnetism. In Forces including simple machines, pupils will deepen their understanding by investigating how levers, pulleys, and other simple machines make work easier by applying forces. This prepares them for the next unit, Forces, where they will further explore the interaction of forces, including contact and non-contact forces, and how they affect the motion of objects.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Find out how the shapes of solid objects made from some materials can be changed by squashing, bending, twisting and stretching
- Compare how things move on different surfaces
- Notice that some forces need contact between two objects, but magnetic force can act at a distance
- Observe how magnets attract or repel each other, and attract some materials and not others
Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils' prior learning from Simple forces including magnets, where they explored basic forces such as pushes, pulls, and magnetism. In Forces including simple machines, pupils will deepen their understanding by investigating how levers, pulleys, and other simple machines make work easier by applying forces. This prepares them for the next unit, Forces, where they will further explore the interaction of forces, including contact and non-contact forces, and how they affect the motion of objects.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Find out how the shapes of solid objects made from some materials can be changed by squashing, bending, twisting and stretching
- Compare how things move on different surfaces
- Notice that some forces need contact between two objects, but magnetic force can act at a distance
- Observe how magnets attract or repel each other, and attract some materials and not others
Physics
Forces including simple machines
This unit covers the effects of gravity, air resistance, water resistance, and friction on objects. It explores how mechanisms like levers, pulleys, and gears magnify forces. Emphasis is on taking precise measurements, recording complex data, and presenting findings.
13 lessons in unit
slide decks, worksheet PDFs, quizzes and lesson overviews. You can select individual lessons from the Forces including simple machines unit and download the resources you need, or download the entire unit now. See every unit listed in our primary science curriculum and discover more of our teaching resources for primary science programmes.