Teach forces in Year 5 with a structured six-lesson unit exploring gravity, air resistance, water resistance and friction. Aligned with the National Curriculum, this unit supports pupils in understanding how forces act on objects and how simple machines can make work easier.
Through practical investigations, pupils explore how objects move, test resistance using parachutes and investigate how levers, pulleys and gears reduce effort. They develop confidence in planning enquiries, controlling variables and using evidence to explain their findings. Download the unit overview to see how learning is sequenced across the six lessons.
Looking for more units? Explore the Year 5 science scheme.
Forces
Working scientifically
This Year 5 forces unit includes six fully planned lessons, along with a knowledge organiser and assessment materials to support teaching and tracking pupil progress. It covers the Year 5 forces National Curriculum objectives while helping pupils understand gravity, resistance and how forces act on objects.
The unit includes worksheets, hands-on activities and practical scientific enquiry, allowing pupils to investigate air resistance, water resistance and friction, as well as explore how simple machines such as levers, pulleys and gears make work easier. It is ideal for teachers looking for Year 5 forces lesson plans, gravity and resistance activities and structured KS2 science lessons.
Pupils develop confidence using scientific vocabulary such as gravity, friction, air resistance, water resistance and force, while building enquiry skills through planning investigations, controlling variables and explaining results.
