Page 31 - FOUNDATIONS FOR LIFE; EXPLORING GOD’S UNIVERSE

Science Y6 – Forces and Motion – week 4

THE EFFECTS OF FRICTION

Truth to Teach (Source)

 There is an invisible force called friction in operation when two rough or uneven surfaces rub together

 There is more friction with heavier objects

 Ways in which friction can be reduced

 Testing ideas with evidence from measurements.

Way to Work (Means)

Equipment: Wooden block, weights, pulleys, string

1. Review the previous lessons.

2. Discuss the meaning of friction and let the children suggest where we see it in operation in our daily lives, eg
shoe soles, tyres on the road

3. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of friction.

4. Talk about how we can reduce the effects of friction, eg sandpapering, oiling, filing, planning.

5. Briefly explain the practical work then let the children work in groups to complete the experiments.

6. Gather back to draw conclusions. (Making the block heavier in Experiment 1 increases the friction and more force
is needed to make it move. Oily, soapy or wet surfaces in Experiment 2 reduce friction.)

Learning for Life (Fulfilment)

The children will hopefully be more aware of the effects of friction in our daily lives; when it is advantageous and when it is
unhelpful and we need to take measures to overcome it.

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