Science Curriculum Passport
Forces and Magnets
The science curriculum aims to nurture a healthy curiosity about our universe and equip pupils with the confidence to ask questions and engage in science-based discussions which affect their own lives, the progress of society and the future of our world. Scientific processes are built upon and developed over time through systematic investigations and engaging first-hand experiences of the biological, chemical and physical processes that make up their world.
EYFS
Forces and magnets
Water
Knowledge end points: To explore and talk about different things we can feel. To talk about why things happen and explore how they work. | Methods and processes: (characteristics of effective learning) To make links between actions and results. To observe changes that occur as a result of an action. |
Vocabulary |
float |
sink |
heavy |
light |
push |
pull |
In EYFS, we explore different forces during play in continuous provision. We use equipment to explore whether objects sink or float and we use different technology to explore pulleys and levers.
Forces and Magnets Year 3
Knowledge end points: To compare how things move on different surfaces To know that some forces need contact between two objects. To know that magnetic forces can act at a distance. To compare and group together magnetic and non magnetic materials To describe magnets as having two poles. | Methods and processes: To observe how magnets attract or repel each other and attract some materials and not others. To compare, group and classify magnetic and non magnetic materials To predict whether two magnets will attract or repel each other depending on which poles are facing How do magnets work? |
Vocabulary | Meaning |
attract | If one object attracts another object, the second object to move towards it. |
friction | The resistance of motion when there is contact between two surfaces. |
force | The pulling or pushing effect that something has on something else. |
gravity | The force which causes things to drop to the ground. |
magnet | A piece of iron or other material which attracts magnetic materials towards it. |
magnetic field | An area around a magnet, or something functioning as a magnet, in which the magnet’s power to attract something is felt. |
repel | When a magnetic pole repels another magnetic pole, it gives out a force that pushes the other pole away. |
resistance | A force which slows down a moving object or vehicle. |
surface | The flat, top part of something or the outside of it. |
Pupils explore how things move on different surfaces and begin conducting their own experiments to test out the forces of friction and magnetism.
Key facts to remember: |
Magnets have a north pole and a south pole. |
When magnets repel, they push each other away. |
When magnets attract, they pull together. |
Friction, gravity and air resistance are all forces. |
Forces Year 3 Key Concepts |
Forces are pushes and pulls. These forces change the motion of an object. They will make it start to move, or slow down or speed up or stop. For example when a cyclist pushes harder on the pedals of their hike, the bike speeds up. When the brakes are pulled, the bike slows down and eventually stops. |
How do magnets work? |
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How do magnetic poles work? |
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Surfaces and motion |
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�Forces and Magnets Year 3�Knowledge Check
Forces Year 5
Knowledge end points: To explain that unsupported objects fall towards the Earth because of the force of gravity acting between the Earth and the object. To identify the effects of air resistance, water resistance and friction, that act between moving surfaces. To recognise that some mechanisms, including levers, pulleys and gears, allow a smaller force to have a greater effect. | Methods and processes: To observe how objects such as parachutes and sycamore seeds fall. To draw diagrams to show the effect of air/water resistance including arrows for forces. To research how scientists such as Isaac Newton and Galileo helped to develop the theory of gravitation. How does the size and shape impact the effectiveness of a parachute? |
Vocabulary | Meaning |
attract | If one object attracts another object, it causes the second object to move towards it. |
friction | The resistance of motion when there is contact between two surfaces. |
force | The pulling or pushing effect that something has on something else. |
gravity | The force which causes things to drop to the ground. |
lever | A basic tool used to lift or pry things open. |
pulley | A simple machine that makes lifting something easier. |
resistance | A force which slows down a moving object or vehicle. |
spring | a spiral of wire which returns to its original shape after it is pressed or pulled. |
streamlined | A streamlined vehicle, animal, or object has a shape that allows it to move quickly or efficiently through air or water. |
We build on our understanding of forces from Year 3 and start to consider the impact of gravity on our lives. We experiment making different sized parachutes to test their effectiveness and learn about air and water resistance.
Key facts to remember: |
Forces are pushes and pulls. |
Forces make objects start to move, or speed up, slow down or stop |
Objects have less resistance if they are streamlined. |
Forces change the motion of an object. |
We visit the North Shields Marina to investigate forces in action related to boats.
We also visit Nissan to learn about how cars work and the importance of vehicles being streamlined.
Forces Year 5 Key Concepts |
Forces are pushes and pulls. These forces change the motion of an object. They will make it start to move, or speed up, slow down or stop. Friction is a force. It’s the resistance of motion when one object rubs against another. |
What is friction? |
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What is gravity and air resistance? |
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What is water resistance? |
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�Forces Year 5�Knowledge Check