Background

This program is delivered by Prime Sci at Deep Creek.

Forces are at work all around us. Scientists and engineers study forces to design better bridges and faster aeroplanes. Investigate friction, gravity and magnetism, as well as an introduction to the forces of flight.

Scientists studying physics also look at energy, which comes in a variety of forms including light, sound, electricity and heat. Students will be introduced to heat energy, including sources of heat, measuring heat, and movement of heat through convection and conduction. Make sense of why things feel hot or cold to our bodies and learn how to keep things at ideal temperatures.

Key Learning Question

What are non-contact forces, and how does heat effect solids and liquids?

Learning intentions

In this program students will:

• recognise questions that can be investigated scientifically and undertaking investigations;
• forces include noncontact forces and can’t be seen with the naked eye;
• observe heat and its effects on solids and liquids;
• begin to develop an understanding of energy flows through simple systems.

Activities:

Forces in Motion

• timing friction
• air resistance vs. gravity
• investigating magnets
• paper plane forces

Hot Hot

• using thermometers to measure heat
• movement of heat energy
• convection and conduction
• insulators and conductors
• take home activity - thermochromic paint (changes colour with heat)

Victorian Curriculum

• Forces can be exerted by one object on another through direct contact or from a distance (VCSSU064)
• Heat can be produced in many ways and can move from one object to another; a change in the temperature of an object is related to the gain or loss of heat by the object (VCSSU063)
• With guidance, identify questions in familiar contexts that can be investigated scientifically and predict what might happen based on prior knowledge (VCSIS065)
• Suggest ways to plan and conduct investigations to find answers to questions including consideration of the elements of fair tests (VCSIS066)
• Safely use appropriate materials, tools, equipment and technologies (VCSIS067)
• Compare results with predictions, suggesting possible reasons for findings (VCSIS070)
• Reflect on an investigation, including whether a test was fair or not (VCSIS071)