Year 7 Module K

Forces and their

effects

Sept 2002

YEAR 7 UNIT K PHYSICS

Lesson 1

What a force does

Lesson 2

Upthrust and density (floating and sinking)

Lesson 3

Stretching materials

Lesson 4

Mass and weight

Lesson 5

Friction

Lesson 6

Balanced and unbalanced forces

Lesson 7

Speed, time and distance

Lesson One
Lesson Objective:

What a force can do

Statement of Attainment: 4.2d

Previous Relevant Knowledge: How to use a force meter, experience of a
variety of forces and that a force can change position or movement of an object.
Lesson Content:
INTRODUCTION: Discuss what pupils already know about forces. Refer to KS2 work and remind them
of the
experiments they may have done before. They need to know that :A force acts when an object is pulled, pushed, compressed or twisted.
A force can change the speed, direction or shape of an object.
Force is measured in Newtons with a Newton meter.
There are six main types of force.
Hand out Worksheet 7K1a forces keywords
Class practical 1 :- circus of six experiments in which pupils must identify the forces acting on the
object
Force
Practical
Weight
Toy car rolling down a slope
Friction
Pulling block with mass on two surfaces
Electric
Rub balloon and stick to wall
Magnetic
Effect of two magnets on each other
Upthrust
Beaker of fresh/salty water with object which floats/sinks
Surface tension
Float pin on water using filter paper
Class practical 2:- Worksheet 7K1b measuring forces. It is advisable to have gone through
worksheet
7K1c measuring forcesas an aural exercise to make certain that pupils can read
the Newton meters.
Plenary: pupils need to be familiar with the different types of forces and should be able to identify
which force is
being used in a circumstance.

Risk Assessment: care needed with heavy objects

Differentiation:
Support

Extension
Find out about Isaac Newton and his work on
Gravity

SS2 pg. 69 Forces Questions

Homework opportunities:
Learn keywords

Technicians notes
List of Apparatus
Toy car, slope, block to pull with Newton
meter, at least two surfaces with differing
friction, balloon and cloth, pair of magnets,
beakers of fresh/salty water and objects
which just sink/float, beaker, filter paper and
pin.

Resources:
AV

IT

Special instructions/Chemicals
As this is better done as a circus, at least
two sets of each apparatus should be set up
at stations around the room.

Book references
Hodder A p72-73
SS2 Chapter 13
Teacher ref: Hodder
A resources p107

Worksheets
7K1a forces
keywords
7K1b measuring
forces
7K1c measuring forces

Lesson Two
Lesson Objective: To investigate upthrust and density (floating and sinking)
Statement of Attainment: 4.2
Previous Relevant Knowledge: How to measure force with a forcemeter
Lesson Content:
1.Introduction: remind pupils of different forces, explain that more than one force can be acting on
an object at any one time, when an object floats (or sinks) the forces involved are UPTHRUST and
GRAVITY. Draw diagram on board of boat ask pupils which direction they think the forces are acting in
this is a good opportunity to show arrow notation and also to show that the arrow can be places
anywhere as it is the direction of the arrow that indicates the force not its position around the object.
2. Demo :- two cans of coke, one diet and one normal. Place in a large beaker of water, one floats and
one sinks. AND/OR diver worksheet 7K2a Im getting that sinking feeling and worksheet
7K2a (teacher ref) technical advice for the diver.
Pose question why this is happening? Discuss how it feels when your body is floating in water.
3. Class prac.:- Activity 6.5 measuring combined force in air and water p117 Hodder A
resources. Worksheet 7K2b floating and sinking is an excellent support resource for this same
experiment. Weigh objects in air and water. What observations can be made? What forces are acting
and why do floating objects appear to have no weight?
4. Refer back to last lesson experiment with object floating in fresh/salty water. Demo to remind.
Introduce idea of density and how density of object and liquid are related. Worksheet 7K2f floating
and sinking (salty water)outlines a simple practical that can be done as a demo with the pupils fillin
g in the table and answering the questions.
5. If have time Demo:- measuring density of a cuboid ( if plastic bricks are used they can be
combined to show that if there are more bricks then both mass and volume increase but density
remains constant)
6. Plenary Ask pupils a series of questions to check their understanding i.e.
a. Why is a cork so light?
b. Why did they say that the Titanic was unsinkable?
c. Why did it sink?
d. Why did the iceberg float? Does it have air in it?
e. How do submarines sink when they have air in them?
f. Why do people float?
g. If we breathe out, do we sink?
h. If you through a key and a wooden stick in the river, which one floats? Why is this?

Risk Assessment:
Differentiation:
Support

Extension

Worksheet 7K2b floating and sinking

Worksheet 7K2e floating and sinking is a
cloze exercise which will help weaker students
conclude the experiments.

Worksheet 7K2d swim bladders

Homework opportunities:
Find out about Archimedes experiment (worksheet 7K2c Archimedes can also be used)
Homework sheet 6.5 Force predictions p118 Hodder A resources

Technicians notes
List of Apparatus

Special instructions/Chemicals

Large beaker, can of diet/normal coca-cola or

equivalent.
Class prac.:- Newton meters, objects to weigh,
beakers, trays for spillage
Beaker of liquid in which to float an object,
balance.

Resources:
AV

IT

For demo it is necessary to show the same object

floating in one liquid and sinking in another e.g.
oil/water.
Small cans of coca-cola may work but normal
sized ones definitely do.

Book
references
Hodder A p78-79
Teacher ref:
Hodder A
resources p116

Worksheets
7K2a Im getting that sinking feeling
7K2a (teacher ref) technical advice for the
diver
7K2b floating and sinking
7K2c Archimedes
7K2d swim bladders
7K2e floating and sinking
7K2f floating and sinking (salty water)

Lesson Three
Lesson Objective: How materials stretch

Statement of Attainment:

4.2

Previous Relevant Knowledge: different forces, spring work at KS2

Lesson Content:
Introduction :Review any prior knowledge pupils have about stretching. They will have
used elastic bands and springs before, at least in technology, and should be able to explain
what happens if a force is applied to the end.
Class prac. :- Hang known weights onto the end of a spring and measure how far it
stretches (the extension). Repeat for the elastic band. Plot graphs and look for patterns.
(Worksheet 7K3a stretching forces outlines the experiment in conjunction with
worksheet 7K3b recording sheet (stretching forces) which acts as support material
for the write up. Activity 6.2 Spring stretch p108 Hodder A resources is good for the
more able pupils)

Risk Assessment: Goggles must be worn as springs can break, take care of masses

falling off the bottom of springs. G-clamps should be used to prevent retort stands from
toppling over.

Differentiation:
Support

Extension

SS2 13.2 Elastic bands experiment

Activity 6.2 Spring stretch p108 Hodder

A resources.

Homework opportunities:

Homework Sheet 6.2 two way stretch p109 Hodder A resources

SS2 page 72 Questions

Technicians notes
List of Apparatus
Retort stands, bosses and clamps, springs,
elastic bands, meter rulers, goggles.

Resources:
AV

IT

Special instructions/Chemicals
G-clamps should be used to prevent retort
stands from toppling over.

Book references
Hodder A p73

Worksheets
7K3a stretching forces
7K3b recording sheet
(stretching forces)

Lesson Four
Lesson Objective: To understand the difference between mass and weight

Statement of Attainment:
Previous Relevant Knowledge: Weight is a force.
Lesson Content:
Introduction: ask pupils what they think they would weigh on the moon (most pupils will know that it
is less) Ask them if they had lost any weight? It is important here to explain the terms mass and weight
and that in everyday language we refer to mass as weight!
Class prac.:- weigh objects on a balance in Kg/g and also on Newton scales/ Newton meter. Plot
graph of mass versus weight what is the link?
Discuss the link, what is the difference between mass the amount of material, weight the force of
gravity?
Discuss what mass/weight would be on the Moon or Jupiter where the force of gravity is different.
Worksheet 7K4a resource sheet 2 Weights on other planets gives good examples and can
be used here. Extension: Work out weight of everyday marked objects e.g. bag of sugar using the
graph.
Video either Scientific Eye or Science in Action Gravity.
Plenary: pupils are aware of the difference between mass and weight and that their weight can
change due to gravitational force but that their mass remains constant.

Risk Assessment:
Differentiation:
Support

Extension

SS2 13.2 Introducing the Newton

Balance

Worksheet 7K4b resource sheet 1

Galileo, Newton and gravity
Worksheet 7K4c resource sheet 3
Newton
SS2 pg. 72/73 Questions

Homework opportunities:
SS2 pg. 75 Questions (sheet in filing cabinet).
Technicians notes
List of Apparatus

Special instructions/Chemicals

Range of objects/sets of 100g and kg

masses
Balance weighting in g/kg
Newton scales, Newton meters

Resources:
AV
Tape 3 Scientific Eye
Tape 66 Science in
Action

IT

Book references
SS2 pg. 72/73

Worksheets
7K4a resource sheet 2
Weights on other
planets
7K4b resource sheet 1
Galileo, Newton and
gravity
7K4c resource sheet 3
Newton

Lesson Five
Lesson Objective: Friction uses and disadvantages
Statement of Attainment: 4.2e
Previous Relevant Knowledge: Friction is a type of force.
Lesson Content:
Introduction: Discuss what pupils already know about friction. Two surfaces rubbing together
experience friction, due to microscopic surfaces not lining up. Friction always acts to oppose motion.
Uses e.g. standing up, car tyres on road. Problems e.g. wear in car engines. Friction produces heating
and can be reduced by lubricants. Air and water can also cause friction; this can be reduced by
streamlining.
Worksheet 7K5c friction: friend or foe? can be used to ascertain pupil understanding. If the pupil
is struggling then worksheet 7K5d friction gives a much more simplified approach. More able
students may wish to use worksheet 7K5e friction to extend there understanding.
Demo/Class prac 1.:- Friction grip test. Pupils pull blocks holding masses across various surfaces.
Measure force with Newton meter.
AND/OR
Class prac 2:- worksheet 7K5a Investigating forces (support) or worksheet 7K5b
Investigating shoes similar idea to above but includes more variables. Weaker students will not be
able to comprehend multiple variables and will need to consider each variable individually making a
comparison at the end of the practical, more able students should be encouraged to hypothesise the
impact of multiple variables.
Video either Scientific Eye or Science in Action Friction. This will be approx. 25mins.
discuss applications of friction further and link into road safety for homework task.
Plenary: students must understand what is meant by friction and be able to give some examples
where it occurs.

Risk Assessment:
Differentiation:
Support

Extension

worksheet 7K5a Investigating forces

Worksheet 7K5c Take a closer look at friction
Worksheet 7K5d friction

Worksheet 7K5e friction

Homework opportunities:
Worksheet 7K5f stopping distances of motor vehicles
Worksheet 7K5g stopping distances

Technicians notes
List of Apparatus

Special instructions/Chemicals

0-10 Newton meters,

sets of 100g masses, blocks of wood to hold
masses
variety of rough/smooth surfaces,
lubricant e.g. washing up liquid (demo).

Resources:
AV
Scientific Eye
:Friction
Science in Action:
Friction

IT
Research
hwk into
stopping
distances

Book
references
Hodder A p76-77
SS2 pg. 76/79

Worksheets
7K5a Investigating forces
7K5b Investigating shoes
7K5cFriction- Friend or Foe.
7K5d friction
7K5e friction
7K5f stopping distances of
motor vehicles
7K5g stopping distances

Lesson Six
Lesson Objective: Difference between balanced and unbalanced forces.
Statement of Attainment: 4.2 c,d
Previous Relevant Knowledge: Different types of forces and their effects
Lesson Content:
Introduction: Remind that weight and mass are different. Using a forcemeter involves balanced
forces. On Earth 100g is pulled downwards by a force of 1N. If forces are balanced the object will
remain still or move at constant speed (difficult). If forces are unbalanced the object will change speed,
direction or shape. Link to idea about Friction/air resistance from last lesson and the idea of Upthrust
and gravity covered in lesson 3.
Class prac. SS3 21.1 Activity 1 and 2, these experiments show the effects of unbalanced forces.
OR Activity sheet 6.3 steady motion, changing motion p111 Hodder resources A.
Video Search out Science, Balancing Act. (if available)
There are a large number of worksheets available that we help to test understanding and are well
differentiated. You may wish to run a flexible learning session allowing pupils to select which sheets
they want to do. Pupils will need a degree of guidance as weak students may chose sheets beyond
them at this time and more able students ay chose not to challenge themselves! (worksheets 7K6a
-7K6f)
Plenary: pupils should be aware that if forces are unbalanced the object will change speed, direction
or shape and if forces are balanced the object will remain still or move at constant speed (difficult).

Risk Assessment:
Differentiation:
Support

Extension

Worksheet 7K6a wheres the force?

Worksheet 7K6b investigating movement
Worksheet 7K6c balanced forces
Activity sheet A6S4 underwater worlds p32
Hodder A support materials
Activity sheet A6S3 cars, bikes and
elephants p31 Hodder A support materials

Worksheet 7K6e forces

Worksheet 7K6f balanced and unbalanced forces

Homework opportunities:
Worksheet 7K6g forces homework sheet challenging!
Worksheet 7K6h Forces rubber band racer gives a fun and alternative homework pupils can bring
their racers in to the next lesson.
Homework sheet 6.3 balanced and unbalanced forces p112 Hodder resources A

Technicians notes
List of Apparatus
Short lengths of rubber tubing, erasers,
retort stand, bosses, clamps, variety of
small balls (table tennis, squash, golf),
meter rulers.

Resources:
AV

IT

Special instructions/Chemicals
Meter rulers need to have a hole drilled in
one end or a long piece of wood with a hole
would be equivalent.

Book
references
SS3 pg. 88/89

Worksheets
7K6a wheres the force?
7K6b investigating movement
7K6c balanced forces
7K6e forces
7K6f balanced and unbalanced
forces
7K6g forces homework sheet
7K6h Forces rubber band racer

Lesson Seven
Lesson Objective: Speed, time and distance
Statement of Attainment:
Previous Relevant Knowledge: Different types of forces and their effects,
unbalanced and balanced forces.
Lesson Content:
INTRODUCTION: discuss the fact that in the previous lesson the idea of balanced and unbalanced
forces was discussed ask pupils if they can remember what impact that they had on speed. (if the
forces are unbalanced the object will change speed, direction or shape and if forces are balanced the
object will remain still or move at constant speed (difficult). Link to this lesson looking at how speed is
measured.
It is worth going through basic idea of speed, distance, time calculations Hodder A p70-71 gives a
good outline and some quick questions that can be used to ascertain understanding before moving
onto the practical. OR Activity Sheet A6S1 time travellers 1 & 2 p29 Hodder A support materials
gives good calculations.
Practical 1: Activity 6.1 your speed on the track Hodder A resources p105
OR
Practical 2: worksheet 7K7a rolling marbles or worksheet 7K7b investigating movement
PLENARY: pupils need to have a basic understanding of calculating speed and linking this to how the
forces ar acting on the object.

Risk Assessment:
Differentiation:
Support

Extension

Activity Sheet A6S1 time travellers 1 & 2

Calculation of time and distance.

Homework opportunities:
Homework Sheet 6.1 speed tables p106 Hodder A resources

Technicians notes
List of Apparatus
Resources:
AV

IT
Lightgates could be
used with 7K7a &b

Special instructions/Chemicals

Book references
Hodder A p70-71

Worksheets
7K7a rolling marbles
7K7b investigating
movement