Year 5 Block 2: Forces

Year 5 Topic – Forces

This unit of work enables children to build on their knowledge of forces by learning about gravity, air resistance, water resistance and friction. Children will also explore simple machines such as pulleys and levers, learning how they help us apply force more efficiently. Engaging investigations and practical tasks provide a strong hook throughout.

Lessons are approximately 75 minutes long and are designed to be taught in order. It is recommended that this is the second unit taught in Year 5 to build on scientific enquiry skills from the previous topic.

Disciplinary knowledge is embedded throughout the unit alongside high-quality substantive knowledge.

This unit covers the following lessons:

  • What is gravity?
  • What is air resistance?
  • What is water resistance?
  • Can we plan a parachute investigation?
  • Can we make and test our parachute?
  • How do levers, pulleys and gears work?
View disciplinary knowledge and scientific skills
  • Planning different types of scientific enquiries to answer questions, including recognising and controlling variables where necessary
  • Recording data and results using scientific diagrams and labels, classification keys, tables, scatter graphs, bar and line graphs

Year 5 Forces Science Unit

Introduce your class to the world of gravity, resistance, and simple machines with our Year 5 forces science unit. This full lesson pack includes Year 5 forces worksheets, editable PowerPoints and investigations, all fully aligned with the KS2 National Curriculum.

What’s included?

  • Lesson plans with key vocabulary and scientific guidance
  • Interactive slides for direct instruction
  • Hands-on science investigations and experiments
  • Differentiated Year 5 forces worksheets for every lesson
  • Knowledge organiser and end-of-unit assessment

Scientific enquiry and progression

This block helps pupils understand core physical science concepts through enquiry-led learning. Pupils will:

  • Investigate the effects of gravity and resistance
  • Explore how air and water resistance slow down objects
  • Plan and carry out a parachute experiment
  • Understand how gears, pulleys and levers reduce effort

Designed for impact

This unit includes engaging practical tasks, low-prep resources and detailed planning support. Lessons encourage pupils to test ideas, draw conclusions and apply learning to real-life contexts, including STEM, DT and engineering links.

Give your pupils the opportunity to explore forces with purpose and confidence. Start your free trial to access this complete Year 5 science topic.