Activate 1: P1: 1.5 Balanced and Unbalanced Forces

Complete lesson PowerPoint with learning outcomes, new knowledge and activities detailed on the slides. Included are instructions for a Forces Circus (consisting of 4 work-stations: one with a toy car and ramp; one with a pendulum; one with a mass suspended from a spring; and one with a bowl of water and a Plasticine ‘boat’). A student practical worksheet as well as additional worksheets (please see end-note) are included in this resource. If preferred, the included Forces Circus instructions could easily be replaced with the Activate Forces Circus. This resource is designed for pupils aiming for developing and secure outcomes. All pupils should be able to identify balanced and unbalanced forces; most pupils should also be able to define equilibrium; whilst some pupils should, in addition, be able to describe the difference between balanced and unbalanced forces. Supporting information can be found on pages 120 and 121 of the blue Activate 1 KS3 Science Textbook. Please note: Worksheet 1 is taken from the old ‘Exploring Science’ master sheets and is included free of charge as an additional resource.