Science KS3 Unit 7K Forces and their effects

In this unit pupils:

• consolidate and build on their concept of force and its measurement.
• identify the origin of friction, air resistance, upthrust and weight and describe situations in which these forces act.
• distinguish between mass and weight.
• use the concept of speed.
• relate forces acting to changes in motion.
• identify situations in which forces are balanced and unbalanced.

In scientific enquiry pupils:

• consider why it is important to repeat measurements.
• measure distance, time and force including weight.
• construct and interpret line graphs and use them to make predictions.
• investigate floating in water of varying salinity, ensuring relevant variables are controlled.
• investigate friction between solids, ensuring relevant variables are controlled.


This unit is expected to take approximately 8 hours.

OTHER RESOURCES

• immersion tank for objects to float and sink in
• scales marked in grams, kilograms and newtons, including personal scales
• lubricants, eg car oil, graphite
• videos/pictures of the effects of friction, and of a person floating in the Dead Sea or similar
• Highway Code (stopping distances)