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Feel the force

Age range
9-11 years
Science topic
Forces
Type of enquiry
Comparative/fair tests, Problem solving

Publication description These activities provide an opportunity for children to think about the properties of air and in particular, the frictional forces it exerts. The ideas are put into a real-life context, that of a transport company looking for ways to reduce the fuel consumption of its lorries.

 

Feel the force

  • Science topic: Forces
  • Type of enquiry: Comparative/fair tests
  • Keywords: Air reistance, forces, push, pull, compare

The children are introduced to the concept of air resistance as a force by running in playground with sheets of paper.

child flying kite

Measuring the force 1

  • Science topic: Forces
  • Type of enquiry: Comparative/fair tests
  • Keywords: Air resistance, forces, friction, measuring, compare

Children compare toy vehicles with different sized front areas to discover that vehicles with a larger front have greater air resistance.

japanese bullet train

Measuring the force 2

  • Science topic: Forces
  • Type of enquiry: Comparative/fair tests
  • Keywords: Air resistance, air flow, forces, measuring, compare

Children investigate the impact of adding various shapes of card to the lorry front (known as fairings) to find out whether there is any impact on the air resistance.

lorry front

Report back to the company

  • Science topic: Forces
  • Type of enquiry: Problem solving
  • Keywords: Air resistance, forces, presenting findings, communication

Graphs, patterns and data can be reported back to the company with final recommendations.

lorry and cars on road

Partners

Supported by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation.