Floating and sinking are often the subject of study in science lessons. An object that is afloat is an object in equilibrium...

Physics Narrative 5-11 11-14

When two surfaces are in contact there is a force acting on each surface that acts in a direction to stop them moving past one...

Physics Narrative 5-11 11-14

A floor seems to just be. How such a passive object can provide an upward force is indeed a puzzle.

Teaching Guidance 5-11 11-14

This misconception appears in two forms. The first holds that friction happens only when things move (slipping). This idea is...

Teaching Guidance 5-11 11-14

For many learners air is seen as nothing. Comparing the mass of air in a small domestic room to the mass of a child might help...

Teaching Guidance 5-11 11-14

Inside the microwave there's a quickly-changing electric field. Water molecules are slightly charged at both ends, and want to...

Enrichment Activity 5-11 11-14

Water overcomes gravity and rises up the arches as it is attracted to the cellulose in them and to the water already absorbed...

Enrichment Activity 5-11 11-14

Though the paperclip should be heavy enough to sink, the surface tension of the water holds it up. When the washing-up liquid...

Enrichment Activity 5-11 11-14

When you blow directly into the bag, the only air flowing into the bag is from your lungs. When you blow from a short distance...

Enrichment Activity 5-11 11-14

One piece of foil will sink and the other will float. The piece of foil scrunched above water traps some of the air, which...

Enrichment Activity 5-11 11-14

As you put your finger in the water, the water tries to push up and float your finger. Because of this the finger pushes down...

Enrichment Activity 5-11 11-14

Once the water begins to flow through the straw, the rest of the water follows as it's pulled through.

Enrichment Activity 5-11 11-14