All schemes
Physics · KS2 · 8 lessons
Forces
Eight lessons taking children from atmospheric pressure and friction through to Newton's laws, rockets and simple machines.
Watch a sample demonstration video
1Introduction to Forces and atmospheric pressure
Demonstrations
- • Classic egg and flask
- • Gravity-defying water
- • Magdeburg spheres
Pupil investigations
- • Effervescent rocket poppers
2Friction
Demonstrations
- • Bow drill
- • Classic waiter and tablecloth
- • Newton meters
Pupil investigations
- • Balloon car challenge
3Magnetism
Demonstrations
- • Splat the rat
- • Gauss gun
- • Levitating paper clip
- • Magnetic field finder
- • Lenz's law apparatus
Pupil investigations
- • Magnetic materials circus
- • Making a compass
4Air resistance
Demonstrations
- • Floating bubbles
- • Resistance training parachute
Pupil investigations
- • Making and testing parachutes
5Water resistance and buoyancy
Demonstrations
- • Bottled water vortices
- • Blue ice cube in a water / oil column
Pupil investigations
- • Cartesian divers
- • Floating pennies
6Earth and Space Part 1 — the universe and Newton's laws
Demonstrations
- • Hero's engine (steam)
Pupil investigations
- • NASA foam rockets
- • Tin can Hero's engines
7Earth and Space Part 2 — the universe and Newton's laws
Demonstrations
- • Water rocket
- • Pythagoras cup
- • Collapsing can
- • Newton's scales
Pupil investigations
- • Stomp rockets
8Simple machines and mechanical advantage
Demonstrations
- • Model steam engine
Pupil investigations
- • Simple machines circus
- • Building trebuchets