orce

Learn all about force in science with the help of this Teaching Wiki. Featuring facts and teaching
resources.
What is Force?
A force is simply a push or a pull in a particular direction. Forces result from an object's interaction
with another object.

In physics, forces are illustrated by arrows. The direction of the force will be shown by an arrow in that
same direction.

What are the Different Types of Force?

There are two main types of forces: contact forces and non-contact forces.

Contact Force
Contact forces result from two objects touching each other.

The following forces are contact forces:

 Frictional force: whenever objects rub against each other they cause friction. Friction
works against the movement of an object and acts in the opposite direction.

 Normal force: the force that supports the weight of an object on a surface. It’s the force
that the ground or a surface pushes back up with. It helps us not to fall through the
ground!

 Tension force: a pulling force exerted by a string or chain on an object.

 Applied force: a force that is applied to an object by another object or person.

 Air resistance force: a type of frictional force that acts on an object as it moves through
the air.

 Spring force: a force applied upon an object by a compressed or stretched spring that is
attached to it.

Non-Contact Force
Non-contact forces are at play when an object is able to push or pull another object without coming
into contact with it.

The following forces are non-contact forces:

 Gravitational force: a force by which an object attracts another object towards itself. All
objects have a gravitational force, but it is most noticeable in massively large objects like
the Earth or the Sun. The Earth pulls all objects towards itself due to its gravitational
force.

 Electrical force: a force exerted between two charged objects.

 Magnetic force or magnetism is a force that attracts or repels magnetic objects. Iron,
nickel and cobalt are magnetic metals so they are attracted to magnets.
When do children begin to learn about forces in Science lessons?
Primary school children will learn about the different types of forces as a part of their Science classes
in Year 3 and Year 5.

According to the National Curriculum children are expected to cover the following topics related to
forces in each year:

In Year 3 children will learn:

 That objects move differently on various surfaces.

 Some forces act because of contact between objects/surfaces while magnetic forces can
act at a distance.

 Magnets attract or repel each other and attract some materials and not others.

 Examples of everyday materials that are attracted to a magnet.

 Magnets have 2 poles.

 Magnets either attract or repel each other, depending on which poles are facing.

Teaching about forces in Year 3 Science

 In order to encourage students to work in a scientific way, teachers can encourage them
to observe how different objects move on different surfaces. Why not task pupils to
gather and record data about these experiments. This will enable them to compare the
speed of various objects depending on the surface they move on.

 Teachers need to show pupils how magnetic forces can act at a distance. Children
should explore the everyday uses of different magnets such as horseshoe, bar, ring or
button.

 Pupils can also observe the strengths of different magnets and sort materials into
magnetic and non-magnetic ones. They can learn about how magnets behave with each
other and how this is impacted by the placement of the poles.
In year 5 children will learn:

 That the gravitational force causes unsupported objects to fall towards the Earth

 Forces that act on moving objects are: air resistance, water resistance and friction

 Smaller forces can be increased by using simple machines such as levers, pulleys and
gears

Teaching about forces in Year 5 Science

 Teachers can lead pupils to observe falling objects and the effects of air resistance. This
can be demonstrated with the example of a parachute. A great way to explore air
resistance is through challenging pupils to build a variety of parachutes. These can be
tested and compared to each other to determine the most effective design.

 Why not support students to make their own boats to explore water resistance?

 Students can explore the effects of friction on movement by observing how a break stops
a spinning bicycle wheel.

 Using simple machines such as levers and pulleys can be an engaging way to teach
pupils about the direction of forces.

 Teaching about the gravitational force can be enriched by describing how Galileo Galilei
and Isaac Newton contributed to the theory of gravitation.

Resources for teaching about the different types of forces in Science lessons
Year 3:
  Force in Science: Forces and Magnets Year 3 Unit Pack

 Force in Science: Forces and Magnets Year 3 Planning Overview

 Force in Science Knowledge Organiser: Forces and Magnets Year 3

 Year 3 Forces Scientific Vocabulary Poster

Year 5:

 Force in Science: Fabulous Forces Year 5 Lesson Pack 1

 KS2 Science: Forces Year 5 Planning Overview

 Force in Science Knowledge Organiser: Forces Year 5

 Year 5 Forces Escape the Room Game

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Try one of our 'Force' resources today.

Types Of Forces Display Posters

Science: Forces and Magnets Year 3 Unit Pack

Science Knowledge Organiser: Forces and Magnets Year 3


 KS2 Science: Forces Year 5 Planning Overview

Science Knowledge Organiser: Forces Year 5

Science: Forces and Magnets Year 3 Planning Overview

Science: Forces: Fabulous Forces Year 5 Lesson Pack 1

Year 5 Forces Escape the Room Game

Year 3 Forces Scientific Vocabulary Poster

Science: Forces Year 5 Unit Pack

Labelling Forces Worksheet

Types of Forces PowerPoint


 Science: Forces and Magnets: Pushes and Pulls Year 3 Lesson Pack 1

Fascinating Forces PowerPoint

Forces in Action Worksheet

Contact and Non-Contact Forces SlideShow and Supporting Worksheet

Types of Forces Display Posters

Forces Vocabulary Poster

Non-Contact Forces Differentiated Reading Comprehension

Forces in Action Display Photos

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Try one of our 'Force' resources today.
Types Of Forces Display Posters

Science: Forces and Magnets Year 3 Unit Pack

Science Knowledge Organiser: Forces and Magnets Year 3

KS2 Science: Forces Year 5 Planning Overview

Science Knowledge Organiser: Forces Year 5

Science: Forces and Magnets Year 3 Planning Overview

Science: Forces: Fabulous Forces Year 5 Lesson Pack 1

Year 5 Forces Escape the Room Game

Year 3 Forces Scientific Vocabulary Poster

Science: Forces Year 5 Unit Pack

Labelling Forces Worksheet

Types of Forces PowerPoint