Friction & Surfaces
Compare how things move on different surfaces, noticing that some surfaces create more friction than others
Lesson
Set out your lesson
“Friction & Surfaces means comparing how things move on different surfaces and noticing more or less friction. We will practise once together, then check a fresh example.”
Bring to the table
- Small toy car or block
- Two surfaces: smooth tray and carpet/towel
Extra for the adult
Worked example. A car may travel farther on a smooth tray than on carpet because carpet often creates more friction.
Optional challenge. For Friction & Surfaces, name friction as the idea behind the difference.
What to notice. Keep one parent note: surfaces compared; support used. This session samples friction, not mastery of physics.
Share and support
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Teaching approaches
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1 approach
Friction & Surfaces means comparing how things move on different surfaces and noticing more or less friction. We will practise once together, then check a fresh example.
Spend about 12 minutes comparing one object on two surfaces, then checking one fresh idea.
Family records and proof options
Keep a record of your learning
Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.
Practice this concept
Start practiceFriction & Surfaces practice
Compare surfaces and friction.
Free · no login · no ads · Practice answers and completion are not saved. Parent observation remains the lesson record.
Learning resources
Extra practice links — they do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.
PhET Interactive Simulations · Practice link — not the full lesson
Friction
Before you open · source notes
Friction supports hands-on exploration for Friction & Surfaces. Not every lab worksheet.
Free interactive page, no sign-in required for the tested path.
Before you openAsk the learner what they changed in the sim or page and what they observed.
Opening this link does not save learning or assess mastery.
Source, access and review notes
Public PhET Interactive Simulations page. An anonymous GET on 2026-11-12 returned HTTP 200 with no login or payment prompt for this URL. Opening the link does not save practice or assess mastery. An adult should preview and guide the learner.
PhET Interactive Simulations. “Friction.” External page; Gakuva does not copy, host, embed, or redistribute materials.
Unknown — link only
Check understanding
- Observe and compare how the same object moves on at least three different surfaces
- Describe that rough surfaces slow objects down more than smooth surfaces
- Use the word 'friction' to explain why movement differs on different surfaces
“Can your child explain why a toy car rolls further on a smooth wooden floor than on carpet?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Forces & Motion
- Age range
- Ages 6–10
Standards