KS3 Scientific Enquiry Investigation: Friction on Moist and Dry Sand

A recent report suggested that the Egyptians found that making the sand moist in front a sled carrying stone blocks reduced friction by up to 50%. Can your students replicate these results in a controlled manner by using trays of sand, wooden sleds and masses?

A detailed and editable booklet takes this scenario and provides a structured approach that will guide students through the different stages of researching, planning and carrying out an accurate and reliable investigation.

Resource includes:

Approx 2-3 hours of lesson time

Teacher's Guide with suggestions and how to resource equipment

1. Introduction to the investigation
2. Preliminary test and planning guide
3. Advice on graph drawing for both scatter and bar charts
4. General analysis questions as well as directed questions specific to the investigation
5. Success Criteria for scientific skills and self assessment
6. Targets and teacher assessment
7. Glossary

I have tried my best to ensure a high quality in this resource but there may be errors I have not seen. If you do encounter any errors then please contact me so that I can fix them and get a corrected copy to you.