Resource #V107081

Précis

Students will explore their understanding of motion and forces. Before their trip students will investigate the turning and stopping of model boats. They will relate their findings to Newton?s Third Law; for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. During their ferry journey students will be encouraged to study different types of boats and the methods used for propulsion and steering.

Contextual Summary

This resource is for students at key stage 3 and relates to the ?Motion and Forces? part of the Science National Curriculum, focusing on the forces needed to turn and slow down vessels. The tasks link to their journey on board the Red Funnel vehicle ferry. The pre-visit task requires students to carry out a practical activity to experience how forces are used to turn vessels and slow them down. This is then related to Newton?s Third Law of Motion; for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. During their ferry journey students will be encouraged to look for different types of boats and study the different methods of propulsion and steering.

Curriculum Relevance

Science → Physics → Motion and Force

Implementation

The pre-visit practical activity is based on using forces to turn a vessel. The activities will require model boats or the opportunity for students to make their own model boats. Suggestions for templates are included. The on-site resource is designed to be completed during the journey. Students are requested to look for different types of boats and study the various methods of propulsion and steering. Students are expected to add lines of force to diagrams. Their observations are then related to Newton?s Third Law of Motion.

Key Skills Practised

• Working scientifically
• Recording data
• Making conclusions
• Presenting reasoned explanations

Learning Outcomes

Students will investigate practically the effects of forces on the movement of vessels. Students will relate their findings to Newton?s Third Law of Motion. Students will relate their knowledge to the propulsion and steering of different vessels.