Forces - Knowledge Organisers

At Wells Hall Primary School, Year 2 students delve into the fascinating world of physics with an introduction to forces. Prior to starting the unit, children should be aware that materials can alter in shape when subjected to actions such as stretching, twisting, bending, and squashing. They should also have an understanding of how different toys move. The topic encourages pupils to investigate how objects behave when pushed or pulled, and they are prompted to list everyday activities that involve these actions, like opening a drawer or pushing a pram.

Through practical exploration, including activities in PE, students observe the movement of various objects and toys, such as tricycles and pull along toys, to deepen their understanding of forces. They learn to draw diagrams showing the direction of an object's movement when a force is applied, using arrows for clarity. The concept that the strength of a force affects the speed and distance of an object’s movement is also introduced. Vocabulary such as 'bendy', 'force', 'position', 'pull', 'push', 'squash', 'stretchy', and 'twist' is taught to enhance their scientific language. By the end of the unit, students will grasp how objects move in response to pushes, pulls, and twists, and will be able to identify examples of these forces in real-life situations, such as rowing a boat or playing hockey. They will also understand how forces can affect the shape of materials and the motion of objects.