What is friction and what effect does it have? - teacher's notes

Friction is a fundamental force that occurs when two surfaces come into contact and move against each other. It is essentially the resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another. This resistance acts in the opposite direction to the movement, effectively working against the motion of the objects involved. In the classroom, pupils are encouraged to explore this concept by engaging with educational resources such as the BBC Bitesize explanation of friction, which provides a clear and accessible understanding of the topic.

After gaining theoretical knowledge, pupils are tasked with carrying out their own investigations to observe the effects of friction between different surfaces. This practical approach allows them to discover firsthand how varying textures and materials can influence the amount of friction produced. They are instructed to document their findings meticulously following the 'planning, doing and evaluation' system, which not only enhances their scientific inquiry skills but also encourages metacognitive thinking. By reflecting on their process and results, pupils deepen their comprehension of how friction impacts movement and the interactions between forces and objects.