Friction
Step-up science Series
What’s inside...
'Step-Up Science' is a series specifically designed to support the schemes of work in the science curriculum at Key Stage Two. It focuses on encouraging investigative skills and covers a wide range of topics including living things, materials, and phenomena.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some examples of friction you can find in our home or outdoors? How do they help or hinder motion?
How do you think our lives would be different if friction didn't exist?
Can you think of any ways people use friction to their advantage in sports or transportation?
Why do you think understanding friction is important?
How do you feel when you struggle to move something heavy? Can you relate that feeling to how friction works?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by pointing out everyday examples of friction before reading the book to create a connection with the topic.
Encourage your child to explore their surroundings to find real-life applications of the principles discussed in the book.
After discussing each question, relate it back to the book’s content to reinforce their learning and understanding.
Use simple, relatable examples to explain more complex ideas to your child for better comprehension.
Praise your child’s curiosity and encourage them to ask more questions, deepening the discussion and their engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: In 'Friction,' characters must collaborate to solve a problem related to friction, teaching children the value of working together.
Real-World Application: Children learn to cooperate with others in group settings such as school projects, sports, or family tasks, mirroring the teamwork demonstrated in the book.
Example Lesson: Understanding Basic Physics
Explanation: The book introduces the concept of friction through a fun and engaging story, making a complex scientific idea accessible to children.
Real-World Application: This knowledge helps children comprehend everyday phenomena, like why it's easier to slide down a slide than to climb up it, fostering a curiosity about how the world works.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: As characters encounter challenges related to friction, they engage in critical thinking and problem solving to find solutions.
Real-World Application: Enhances a child's ability to think critically and solve problems in their daily life, from figuring out the best way to stack building blocks to resolving disputes with friends.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: To overcome obstacles, characters in 'Friction' come up with creative solutions, demonstrating the power of innovative thinking.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination to think outside the box in real world situations, whether in their creative play or in overcoming simple challenges.