The force of a floor
I can explain how a floor can support a range of objects with very different weights.
The force of a floor
I can explain how a floor can support a range of objects with very different weights.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- More force is needed to hold up a bigger mass up in the air.
- The bigger the mass on a beam, the more the beam bends.
- The more a beam bends, the greater the force it pushes back with.
- The bigger the mass on a floor, the more particles in the floor are squashed together.
- The more particles in a floor are squashed together, the greater the force they push back with.
Keywords
Gravitational force - A gravitational force acts on any object inside a gravitational field.
Normal reaction force - When an object rests on a surface, there will be a normal reaction force acting on it.
Elastic - Materials are elastic if they return to their original shape when forces are removed from them.
Electrostatic force - The force between two electrically charged particles is an electrostatic force.
Common misconception
There is a downwards force on a surface, but no upward force, the surface just gets in the way.
Have pupils describe upward forces they need to exert whilst supporting different sized weights at arms length.
To help you plan your year 9 science lesson on: The force of a floor, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 science lesson on: The force of a floor, 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 Hidden forces unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a material that returns to its original shape when forces are removed
a force that acts on any object in a gravitational field
a force that acts upwards when an object rests on a surface
a force that acts between electrically charged particles
