Different surfaces: plan

I can plan an investigation to compare how things move on different surfaces.

Download all resources

Share activities with pupils

New

Year 3

Different surfaces: plan

I can plan an investigation to compare how things move on different surfaces.

Download all resources

Share activities with pupils

Slide deck

Download slide deck

Skip slide deck

Lesson details

Key learning points

Surfaces can be different, ranging from very smooth to very rough.
A comparative test investigation can be carried out to find out how different surfaces can affect how things move.
Scientists make decisions about how to set up and carry out investigations.

Common misconception

All surfaces are only 2-dimensional. All surfaces are made by people (human-made).

Provide many examples, with images, of different types of surface including natural surfaces and 3-dimensional surfaces.

Keywords

Surface - The surface is the top or outside layer of something.
Rough - Rough surfaces are uneven or bumpy.
Smooth - Smooth surfaces are even.
Comparative test - In a comparative test, the thing that is being changed has labels, such as the types of materials.
Compare - We compare things by looking at what is the same and what is different.

This lesson focuses on the working scientifically skill of planning a comparative test investigation within the context of comparing different surfaces. Children will carry out and review their investigation in Lesson 2 of this unit.

Teacher tip

Equipment

See additional material 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).