Science·Forces & Motion·language
Forces Vocabulary
Name and describe forces using precise vocabulary — force, push, pull, twist, stretch, squash, contact force, non-contact force, gravity, weight, friction, air resistance, upthrust — and distinguish between forces that require physical contact and forces that act at a distance
Suggested ages 5–8
Learning journey
Your child is learning about forces — understanding how pushes and pulls can make objects move faster, slower, or change direction, and testing different ways to affect motion.
Evidence of understanding
- Correctly name the force acting in at least five given scenarios (e.g. 'friction slows the sledge', 'gravity pulls the apple')
- Distinguish between contact forces (friction, upthrust) and non-contact forces (gravity, magnetism) using the correct terms
- Use 'weight' correctly as a force — distinct from 'mass' — in descriptions
Assessment prompt
If Forces Vocabulary slides down a slide and slows near the bottom, can they name the force responsible and spell it correctly?
Standards alignment
No external standards are linked to this topic.