Last week, our Key Stage 3 students delved into the fascinating world of forces through a lively carousel of practical experiments. Instead of a standard lesson, students rotated around stations, exploring how different forces act in everyday objects.
Students were given a quick introduction to each station and shown the Investigating Forces Station Task Cards, so they knew what to do. Some stations were demonstrated, but most encouraged independent exploration, letting students investigate and work out which forces might be acting at each station.
At each station, students examined the equipment, carried out the tasks, and recorded their observations on the Investigating Forces Results Table, while also working out which forces might be acting at each station.
Highlights of the stations included:
- Weight in Action: Eggshell halves were paired with small masses to illustrate weight and how gravity acts on objects.
- Cans and Can Openers: Students explored mechanical forces by opening and manipulating cans, feeling the push and pull needed to complete the task.
- Static Electricity: Inflated balloons demonstrated electrical energy as static electricity, showing how forces can move objects without contact.
- Magnetic Mix: A mixture of crushed cornflakes and iron filings in a ziplock bag, combined with a bar magnet, allowed students to see magnetic forces at work.
- Floating Fun: Corks in a trough of water illustrated buoyancy and upthrust, while table-tennis balls were moved by the air from a hairdryer to show air resistance.
- Friction in Action: Lighting matches showed how friction generates heat to make fire.
The carousel proved to be a fun, engaging, and interactive way for students to experience the invisible forces that shape our world. Students left the session buzzing with curiosity, spotting forces everywhere around them.
Mrs Ellen Crann
Head of Key Stage 3 Science