This Year 5 forces unit helps pupils investigate the effects of gravity, air resistance, water resistance and friction through practical scientific enquiry. Across six engaging lessons, pupils explore how forces act on objects, explain the factors affecting movement and develop understanding of how simple mechanisms can make work easier.
Aligned with the National Curriculum, the unit encourages pupils to recognise that unsupported objects fall towards the Earth because of gravity, investigate the effects of resistance and explore how levers, pulleys and gears reduce the force needed to perform tasks. Through hands-on investigations and comparative testing, pupils develop confidence in making predictions, measuring accurately and using evidence to explain their findings.
Part of our comprehensive Scintillating Science scheme, this unit includes lesson plans, interactive teaching slides, differentiated worksheets, practical investigations and assessment materials to support engaging Year 5 science lessons.
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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.
This unit forms part of our wider Scintillating Science scheme. Explore the full Year 5 science scheme for curriculum progression and additional science units, or browse our complete KS2 science scheme for Year 3 to Year 6 science planning and resources.
