This term in science, Shackleton Class has started an exciting new topic on forces in physics. Our first focus was friction and understanding that it is a contact force — a force that happens when two surfaces touch. Pupils explored this idea through everyday examples, such as rubbing their hands together to feel the warmth caused by friction, and discussing why you can sometimes get a friction burn on a playground slide.

To bring this learning to life, we carried out a hands-on investigation using jelly and oil, which the children thoroughly enjoyed! Pupils carefully set out their investigation in their books and made predictions about whether jelly with oil or jelly without oil would cause less/more friction. They then observed what happened and discussed why the oil reduced friction by making surfaces more slippery.

This lesson encouraged pupils to think scientifically by predicting, observing, and explaining their results.

It linked perfectly to our Science curriculum vision:

Be curious. Be investigative. Be reflective.