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Year 3

Different surfaces: do and review

I can carry out tests and compare how things move on different surfaces.

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New
New
Year 3

Different surfaces: do and review

I can carry out tests and compare how things move on different surfaces.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Objects move differently over different surfaces.
  2. Scientists can carry out comparative test investigations to compare different surfaces.
  3. Friction forces slow down moving objects.
  4. A rough surface will create a greater friction force against a moving object than a smooth surface.
  5. In a conclusion, scientists explain what the results show or mean.

Common misconception

Friction doesn’t have a direction; a force is needed to keep an object moving at a constant speed.

Provide examples, with images, to demonstrate the effects of friction on moving objects.

Keywords

  • Surface - The surface is the top or outside layer of something.

  • Friction forces - Friction forces are forces which act between the surfaces of objects.

  • Rough - Rough surfaces are uneven or bumpy.

  • Smooth - Smooth surfaces are even and not bumpy.

  • Conclusion - In a conclusion, scientists explain what the results show or mean.

This lesson should link directly to the previous lesson in this unit (Lesson 1) whereby children planned how they are going to find answers to the question: Does the surface a marble rolls on affect how far the marble moves?
Teacher tip

Equipment

See additional information for further support and guidance.

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - equipment
  • Exploration of objects

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is a surface?
The middle layer of something.
The inside of something.
Correct answer: The outside layer of something.
Q2.
Which of the following statements are true about surfaces?
Correct answer: They can be natural or made by people.
They are 2-D (2-dimensional).
They are only 3-D (3-dimensional).
Correct answer: They can be 2-D (2-dimensional) or 3-D (3-dimensional).
Q3.
Starting with the smoothest, order these surfaces from smoothest to roughest.
1 - polished ceramic tiles
2 - potato skin
3 - sandpaper
Q4.
You should only one thing in a comparative test investigation.
Correct Answer: change, alter, adjust
Q5.
Match the enquiry type to the correct example.
Correct Answer:Comparative test investigation,comparing which torch produces the brightest light

comparing which torch produces the brightest light

Correct Answer:Identifying and classifying,sorting toys into those made of wood and plastic

sorting toys into those made of wood and plastic

Q6.
Which of these parts of an investigation explain what the results show or mean?
the question
the list of equipment
Correct answer: the conclusion

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Moving objects slow down or travel less far due to forces.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: friction, Friction
Q2.
Friction forces act between the of objects.
Correct Answer: surfaces, surface
Q3.
Starting with polished ceramic tile, order these objects from the surface which creates the weakest friction forces to the surface that creates the greatest friction forces.
1 - polished ceramic tile
2 - metal tray
3 - wooden table top
4 - wool carpet
Q4.
If a ball rolls over two different surfaces, it will move more slowly on the surface which creates the friction force.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: greatest, largest, biggest, most
Q5.
What would you find in a conclusion?
a record of observations
a prediction
Correct answer: an explanation of results
a plan for an investigation
Q6.
Which is the correct conclusion from this enquiry question and set of results?
An image in a quiz
The results show that taller children have longer arms.
The results show that taller children have shorter arms.
Correct answer: The results do not show a clear pattern between height and arm length.
Q4 UYSEG

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