Science

Y5 Science

Key Stage 2

Year 5

Forces

In this lesson, we will learn what forces are. We will also learn about contact forces and non-contact forces. Finally, we will test our knowledge with some application questions.

What are forces?

In this lesson, we will learn how we can measure the size of forces, particularly how we can measure weight. We will learn about Isaac Newton and his contribution to our knowledge of forces as well as Newtons as a unit of measurement. We will also investigate how to use a Newton meter to measure forces.

How can we measure the size of forces?

In this lesson, we will learn about contact forces. We will discuss air and water resistance and examine what balance and unbalanced forces are. We will also investigate friction. Based on our investigation we will make conclusions about the causes and characteristics of friction.

What are contact forces?

In this lesson, we will recap the definition of non-contact forces. We will also investigate gravity and gravitational force and learn about Galileo by completing an investigation. Finally, we will learn about magnetic force, including some uses for magnets.

What are non-contact forces?

In this lesson, we will be discussing upthrust (or buoyancy) in more detail. We will discuss what density is and how it affects floating. We will also discuss the link between weight and upthrust. Finally, we will make some predictions which we will test.

Which factors affect an object's ability to float?

In this lesson, we will first aim to understand the purpose of simple machines. We will then focus on gears, levers and pulleys to find out how they work and how they can be useful. We will also complete some questions throughout the lesson which will help us check our understanding.

Key Stage 2, Science, Forces

What are forces?

How can we measure the size of forces?

What are contact forces?

What are non-contact forces?

Which factors affect an object's ability to float?

What impact do gears, levers and pulleys have on forces?