Forces and Gravity — Year 5 Lesson Plan
National Curriculum: Science — Forces: gravity, air resistance, water resistance and friction, Year 5
Overview
Pupils investigate gravity as an unseen force that attracts objects with mass towards each other. They explore how gravity interacts with air resistance, water resistance, and friction, and carry out investigations into the effect of these forces on falling objects. They distinguish between mass and weight and understand that weight is a force measured in Newtons.
Learning Objectives
- Describe gravity as an attractive force acting between objects with mass.
- Distinguish between mass (measured in kg) and weight (measured in Newtons).
- Investigate how air resistance, water resistance, and friction act as opposing forces.
- Explain the effect of streamlining on drag forces.
Key Vocabulary
Suggested Lesson Structure
Drop a ball and a feather simultaneously. Ask: why do they fall at different rates if gravity pulls everything equally? Introduce the concept of air resistance as a counter-force.
Explain gravity as a universal attractive force. Distinguish mass and weight: on the Moon gravity is weaker, so your weight is less but your mass stays the same. Introduce air resistance, water resistance, and friction as forces that oppose motion. Explain streamlining as a way to reduce drag.
Investigation: pupils drop parachutes of different sizes and measure fall time. Identify variables. Record results and plot on a bar chart. Discuss: bigger parachute = more air resistance = slower fall.
Pupils write a scientific explanation of their investigation results, using force vocabulary. Challenge: calculate weight on the Moon given gravitational field strength of 1.6 N/kg (mass × 1.6).
Why are racing cars and aircraft designed to be streamlined? Pupils apply knowledge of air resistance and drag forces.
Common Misconceptions
- Pupils often think heavier objects fall faster — in a vacuum all objects fall at the same rate; air resistance creates the difference.
- Confusing mass and weight — mass is the same everywhere; weight depends on local gravitational field strength.
Prior Knowledge
Pupils should already be able to:
- Ability to identify pushes and pulls as forces.
- Awareness that unseen forces like magnetism and gravity exist.
- Some experience of measuring force using Newton meters.
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