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Year 5 - Science

Air resistance: plan

Forces including simple machines

Unit Summary

This unit covers the effects of gravity, air resistance, water resistance, and friction on objects. It explores how mechanisms like levers, pulleys, and gears magnify forces. Emphasis is on taking precise measurements, recording complex data, and presenting findings.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to plan an investigation to identify the effects of air resistance.

Key Notes

  • Air resistance is a force caused by air moving against the surface of an object
  • Air resistance is a force that acts in the opposite direction to the movement of an object
  • Air resistance can be helpful and unhelpful in different real-life situations
  • Scientists control variables when planning fair tests to investigate air resistance

Vocabulary To Learn

  • force: A force is a push or a pull. Forces can make objects move, change speed, change direction or change shape.
  • air resistance: Air resistance is a type of frictional force that acts between the air and the surface of a moving object.
  • friction: Friction is a type of force that acts between surfaces.
  • fair test: A fair test is where only one variable is changed, to see what effect that has on the results of the investigation.
  • variables: A variable is something that can be changed, measured or kept the same in an investigation.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • All objects experience the same amount of air resistance, regardless of their size or shape.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.

Air resistance is a force caused by air moving against the surface of an object. Air resistance is a force that acts in the opposite direction to the movement of an object.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'force'

A force is a push or a pull. Forces can make objects move, change speed, change direction or change shape. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: All objects experience the same amount of air resistance, regardless of their size or shape. Correction: Discussion and practical exploration will address this misconception.

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