Newton's First Law
I can describe and explain how a resultant force can change the movement of objects.
Newton's First Law
I can describe and explain how a resultant force can change the movement of objects.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Resultant forces make the movement of things change.
- Friction acts against the direction of movement of an object.
- An object will continue to move at a steady speed in a straight line unless a resultant force is acting.
Keywords
Stationary - A stationary object is not moving.
Resultant force - A resultant forces the sum of all forces acting on an object.
Frictional force - Frictional forces act between surfaces, to oppose the movement of an object.
Gravitational force - The gravitational force on an object pulls it downwards, towards Earth.
Common misconception
Pupils believe driving forces are needed to keep objects moving at constant speed.
Demonstrate that friction (and drag) bring objects to a stop, showing that different surfaces produce the forces that slow objects.
To help you plan your year 8 science lesson on: Newton's First Law, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 science lesson on: Newton's First Law, 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 Moving by force 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
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
not moving
force between two surfaces in contact when one tries to move
the sum of the forces on an object accounting for direction
a force that pulls objects towards Earth
a change in speed or direction of movement
