Fascinating Forces in Year 5

Our current topic of 'Fascinating Forces' has allowed us to complete a range of scientific experiments. These lessons help us to find out about the forces acting around us in a practical way and allow us to bring our own scientific skills to the forefront. 

We have tested the force of friction on a range of surfaces by using a Newton meter to measure the forces. The children used their enquiry skills of comparative and fair testing to measure the friction. 

'Friction happens when two objects touch. We use Newtons to measure the force of the friction.' - Vanishka 

'We used Newton Meters to see how much friction occurs when our shoes touch different surfaces.' - Evan

'The mat had the most friction, and so was the safest surface to walk on.' - Fran 

We have also experimented with the force of air resistance. Each pupil made their own parachute and tested them in the hall. We thought about the surface area of our parachutes and tested parachutes of different sizes. We found that the smallest parachute fell to the floor the quickest as it had less air resistance and surface area. 

'It was a fun IPC lesson - I learned something new and I made a parachute.' - Aurora 

'It was fun finding out the best way to make our parachute fall slower. If it has a larger surface area it will go slower.' - Ivy 

'The more surface area the more air resistance which keeps it up for longer.' - Dom 

These hands on  learning expeirences will help us remember our learning and develop all the children's scientific enquiry skils.