English National Curriculum - Science

3. Explore factors which affect water resistance

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Mission Objectives

Understand how water resistance acts on objects

Investigate the impact of streamlining on the force of water resistance

Explain the similarities and differences between air and water resistance

Enquiry Approach - Problem-solving

Applying prior scientific knowledge to solve problems and answer further questions.

Enquiry Skill - Interpreting and communicating results

Using information, results and data to present findings, including oral and written explanations.

Rocket Words Quiz

See if you know all the meanings of the rocket words

Assessment Quiz

Test your knowledge of this lesson

Word Search Game

Find all the rocket words in the grid

Lesson Resources

Lesson Plan

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Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

balanced forces

opposing forces that are equal in strength

streamlined

an object that is shaped to travel through air or water with as little resistance as possible

upthrust

any force that is causing something to be pushed upwards

water resistance

friction which acts on an object as it moves through water

buoyant

to float

Rolls Royce SMR

This lesson has been written by

Heather Bingham

Heather qualified with a first-class honours degree in climate science from the University of East Anglia. Since, she has joined Developing Experts as a writer and presenter, specialising in earth and environmental sciences.

She is also an internationally published science author, having written a series of CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) digital textbooks aimed at improving learners’ understanding of English whilst igniting an interest in science.

Dr Shannon Weldon

Shannon started her journey with Developing Experts by completing PHD placement while studying for her Doctorate in Developmental Biology at the University of East Anglia. Shannon has since joined the team full-time as a Project Manager working with the company's industry partners. Shannon knows a lot about chickens!

Sarah Mintey MBE

Sarah is a former headteacher and charity CEO who founded Developing Experts in October 2015 with the goal to create a fit-for-purpose curriculum for schools. The company has created a science curriculum for children ages 4-16 which is delivered through sequenced lessons mapped against the National Curriculum in biology, chemistry, and physics. Developing Expert's innovative approach to learning has already been road-tested and voted 'best EdTech product in Europe', winning Tech Nation’s Rising Stars earlier in 2019 and a place on Google for Startups Immersion program 2020. In 2022 Developing Experts won the BETT Awards for Best Classroom Resource - Teaching Aid. Sarah is a 'LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leader' 2022. In October 2022 Developing Experts joined Tech Nation's Upscale 8.0 programme.

Sarah is delighted to be working with over 6500 UK schools and clients such as the Royal Horticulture Society, Network Rail, Rolls Royce, BEIS, National Nuclear Labs, Anglian Water and the Ministry of Defence.

Sarah was awarded an MBE for her services to tech and education in 2020.

Katie Barrie

Katie is the Chief Operating Officer at DE, which means she oversees HR, finance and our business model. After studying Drama at Exeter University, Katie spent three years as a primary teacher, before relocating to Norfolk and joining Developing Experts.

In her spare time, Katie likes to sing with Norwich Harmony barbershop chorus and has recently formed a quartet. Katie loves cooking and spending time with her husband, Bryan and dog, Bertie. She has an endearing laugh, which has to be heard to be believed. Many of us see Katie as the office 'Mum', she gives great hugs and keeps our spirits up.

Contact: [email protected]

Clare Faulkner

Clare is an experienced primary school teacher, having worked across both Key Stage 1 and Early Years. Before joining Developing Experts, Clare worked as a Quality Assurance Inspector for a childcare agency, following OFSTED's inspection criteria. Clare is passionate about education and ensuring children's learning is exciting and fun!

In her spare time, Clare is also a mother of two very active children and lots of animals! She enjoys a variety of sports and loves the outdoors!

Emma Wilding

Emma has spent the past 12 years teaching in primary schools, where she has led history and played a key role in shaping curriculum development across her academy trust. With a passion for designing lessons that are lively, meaningful, and rooted in real-life context, she is dedicated to making learning something children remember and enjoy.

Her curriculum leadership has supported schools through successful Ofsted inspections, but her greatest motivation comes from helping pupils develop a love of learning and supporting them to make connections between the past, present, and the wider world.

In her spare time, Emma loves travelling the world and exploring new places -there is always another castle to discover!

Required Resources

Resources: A small object (such as a marble or penny), a large clear container filled with water, a mini whiteboard, modelling clay, water, a variety of clear containers (such as large bottles with the tops cut off, or large measuring cylinders) and weighing scales.

Support Handout (1): An investigation sheet for the children to record their question, predictions, variables, results and conclusion, with scaffolding to support writing their question and variables.

Core Handout (2): An investigation sheet for the children to record their question, predictions, variables, results and conclusions.

Stretch Handout (3): An investigation sheet for the children to record their question, predictions, explain their fair test controls, results and conclusions.

Challenge Handout (4): A space is provided for children to record the similarities and differences between air and water resisitance, and to draw and label the forces acting on a boat as it moves through the water (as mentioned in the plenary).