Year 3 - Science
Different surfaces in real life (non-statutory)
Simple forces including magnets
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit explores how objects move on different surfaces and examines magnetic forces, including attraction, repulsion, and magnetic materials. It covers identifying magnetic poles and predicting interactions and emphasizes practical tests, observations, and presenting findings.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain why some surfaces are suitable for different jobs, and give examples from real life.
Key Notes
- Friction can be a useful force.
- Friction can be an unhelpful force.
- Scientists, designers and engineers need to choose materials with properties suitable for their work or products.
- Large amounts of friction can create heat.
Vocabulary To Learn
- frictional forces: Frictional forces are forces that act between the surfaces of objects.
- surface: The surface is the top or outside layer of an object or material.
- grip: A grip is a firm hold or tight grasp.
- properties: A material's properties are its qualities, such as how hard or soft it is or whether it is rough or smooth.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Friction always hinders motion therefore you always want to eliminate friction.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.
Friction can be a useful force. Friction can be an unhelpful force.
2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'frictional forces'
Frictional forces are forces that act between the surfaces of objects. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.
3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.
Mistake: Friction always hinders motion therefore you always want to eliminate friction. Correction: Multiple examples of positive uses of friction, including to help start motion by pushing off, are included.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Blocking magnetic force Study Guide
- Contact forces Study Guide
- Different magnets and their parts Study Guide
- Different surfaces: do and review Study Guide
- Different surfaces: plan Study Guide
- Magnetic and non-magnetic materials Study Guide
- Magnetic force (non-statutory) Study Guide
- Magnetic force at a distance Study Guide
- Putting magnets together: attract or repel Study Guide
- Strongest magnet (non-statutory) Study Guide
- Using magnets to solve problems (non-statutory: Scientists and Engineers) Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 3 Science guide library.