Measuring forces
I can use newton meters to measure forces accurately.
Measuring forces
I can use newton meters to measure forces accurately.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Forces are measured with a newton meter.
- Forces are measure in newtons (N).
- With no force, newton meters need to be adjusted to zero.
- Newton meters should be selected by considering the scale.
- Repeat readings help check for mistakes.
Keywords
Newton (N) - The size of a force is measured in units called newtons (N).
Newton meter - The size of a force can be measured with a newton meter.
Scale - A scale is a line on which different positions are marked.
Accurate - Results are accurate if they are close to the true value of what is being measured.
Zero error - A zero error is when a measuring device should read zero but doesn’t.
Common misconception
Pupils are often unable to match their experience of different forces with forces in newtons.
Pupils are provided with opportunity to both measure and describe a range of forces.
To help you plan your year 7 science lesson on: Measuring forces, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 science lesson on: Measuring 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 3 science lessons from the Forces unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions



Exit quiz
6 Questions


