Today is rung 5 of 6 on this topic
Forces, friction and magnets
Can do: Predicts how a force changes motion, and explains friction and magnetic attraction.
Why it matters
It's the first topic where children can make a real prediction, test it fairly, and be measurably wrong — the actual scientific method in miniature.
What it looks like when it's wobbly
Thinks a moving object needs a continuous push, and can't identify what would make a test unfair.
⏱️ Two-minute check
"Why does a ball rolling on grass stop sooner than on wood? What would make that test unfair?"
Solid looks like: Friction named, and one variable identified that must be kept the same.
The full activity for this topic · 20 minutes
Fair Test Ramp
- 1Set a fixed ramp height and mark the release point. Same start every time — that's the fair test.
- 2Roll onto each surface and measure the distance travelled.
- 3Predict the order before testing, then compare.
- 4Repeat each surface three times and take the middle result. Talk about why once isn't enough.
- 5Graph the results and write one sentence explaining what the data shows.
If it's too hard
Two surfaces, one roll each.
If it's too easy
Change the ramp height instead and keep the surface fixed, isolating one variable.
Say this
"If we change two things at once, we won't know which one did it. What has to stay the same?"