Elementary Science - Forces - Friction

In this MEL Academy lesson your children will:

  • learn how just simple rice can hold items
  • see the power of friction force
  • build a car with balloon engine

Lesson time

11:00am   PST (San Francisco, Seattle, ...)
12:00pm   MST (Phoenix, Denver, ...)
1:00pm   CST (Chicago, Houston, ...)
2:00pm   EST (New York, Toronto, ...)
7:00pm   GMT (London, ...)

Lesson duration: 45-55 minutes.

Prepare in advance

In this lesson, we will conduct several DIY experiments. Prepare in advance household materials shown below.

DIY Materials

  500ml Dry uncooked rice
  2 x small plastic drinks bottles (250mls) or other shallow small containers
  2 x pencils
  Funnel (optional)
  1 x large book or 2 phone books!
  4 x sheets of A4
  Cardboard box – old shoe box
  400% x balloons
  4 x plastic drinking straws
  4 x kebab sticks
  Cellotape
  Scissors

Worksheet

Please, download and print this worksheet in advance. You’ll need to refer to it during the lesson.

Tutor

This lesson is presented by Daniel Sullivan:

Daniel Sullivan

Daniel Sullivan is a hugely enthusiastic and experienced ex-head of science with over 20 years of teaching experience. He is now running a science teacher training company and is looking forward to engaging with students once again.