Contact forces
I can observe that some forces need contact between two objects and give examples from real life.
Contact forces
I can observe that some forces need contact between two objects and give examples from real life.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Pushes and pulls are forces
- Some forces are contact forces
- Contact forces are forces that act between two objects that are physically touching each other
- Pushing a car up a hill and kicking a ball are examples of contact forces
Keywords
Force - A force is a push or a pull. Forces can make objects change speed, change direction, or change shape.
Push - A push is a force that moves an object further away.
Pull - A pull is force that brings an object closer.
Contact force - Contact forces occur when objects are touching each other.
Venn diagram - A Venn diagram is a way of displaying how you group items. It is made up of overlapping circles.
Common misconception
Kicks/throws and catches are not pushes and pulls.
Explicit explanation that kicks and throws are pushes, and catches are pulls; that pushes and pulls can involve short term contact.
To help you plan your year 3 science lesson on: Contact forces, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 3 science lesson on: Contact forces, 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 2 science lessons from the Simple forces including magnets unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Task 3: elastic bands, a stringed instrument, scissors and paper, a wheeled toy
Content guidance
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
travelling down a slide fast
running along a running track
Exit quiz
6 Questions
taking part in a tug of war competition
ringing a doorbell
using a zip to fasten a coat
using a remote control
