Balanced and Unbalanced Forces: a full term of science
Ten ready-to-teach lessons for Year 7 Physical sciences. Print this pack and the term is prepared: every lesson has a plan, talk prompts, a student worksheet, cards or tickets, and answers.
Start here: five minutes to Monday
- Skim the term at a glance on the next page.
- Print the lesson you need (plan, worksheet, cards).
- Gather everyday items under You need on the plan.
- Open the free interactive unit on your board.
- Teach from the plan: timings, prompts and answers are on one page.
No science background needed
Written for the busy generalist teacher. Plain words, common muddles, and model answers are on every plan. Safety: no open flames or boiling water unless an adult controls a warm-water step named on the plan.
The term at a glance
One lesson a week for a term. Run in order where you can.
| # | Lesson | Children learn and do | On screen |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Balanced or unbalanced? | Explore the idea with talk, board and hands-on work | Balanced or unbalanced? |
| 2 | More mass, less acceleration | Explore the idea with talk, board and hands-on work | More mass, less acceleration |
| 3 | Gravity is a force toward Earth | Explore the idea with talk, board and hands-on work | Gravity is a force toward Earth |
| 4 | Friction works against motion | Explore the idea with talk, board and hands-on work | Friction works against motion |
| 5 | Tug-of-war: when forces balance | Explore the idea with talk, board and hands-on work | Tug-of-war: when forces balance |
| 6 | Deeper look: Balanced or unbalanced? | Explore the idea with talk, board and hands-on work | Balanced or unbalanced? |
| 7 | Deeper look: More mass, less acceleration | Explore the idea with talk, board and hands-on work | More mass, less acceleration |
| 8 | Deeper look: Gravity is a force toward Earth | Explore the idea with talk, board and hands-on work | Gravity is a force toward Earth |
| 9 | Deeper look: Friction works against motion | Explore the idea with talk, board and hands-on work | Friction works against motion |
| 10 | Show what we know | Explore the idea with talk, board and hands-on work | Balanced and Unbalanced Forces |
Curriculum links (Australian Curriculum V9)
The term teaches AC9S7U04. Lessons also work these Inquiry and Human Endeavour descriptors:
Assessment
- Every plan ends with answers and look-fors.
- The assessment kit near the front has a rubric and class checklist.
- Lesson 10 is the summative check and model task.
Materials for the whole term
One gathering session covers all ten lessons. Prefer classroom and home items. No science cupboard required. Adult handles any warm water.
| Lesson | You need |
|---|---|
| 1 | everyday classroom items named on the Day 1 plan; interactive unit open |
| 2 | everyday classroom items named on the Day 2 plan; interactive unit open |
| 3 | everyday classroom items named on the Day 3 plan; interactive unit open |
| 4 | everyday classroom items named on the Day 4 plan; interactive unit open |
| 5 | everyday classroom items named on the Day 5 plan; interactive unit open |
| 6 | everyday classroom items named on the Day 6 plan; interactive unit open |
| 7 | everyday classroom items named on the Day 7 plan; interactive unit open |
| 8 | everyday classroom items named on the Day 8 plan; interactive unit open |
| 9 | everyday classroom items named on the Day 9 plan; interactive unit open |
| 10 | everyday classroom items named on the Day 10 plan; interactive unit open |
Safety in one look
- No open flames, hotplates or boiling water for children.
- Adult pours warm water when a plan needs heat.
- Wipe spills; keep floors clear.
- Food allergy checks before any tasting stations.
Assessment without extra work
Lesson plans carry look-fors. Lesson 10 is summative. Use this sheet for ongoing notes.
The three levels
| Idea | Working towards | At standard | Beyond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big idea | names an example with help | explains the unit idea in Year 4 words | applies the idea to a new example |
| Evidence | guess only | links a claim to something observed or measured | compares two pieces of evidence |
| Science words | everyday words only | uses unit words correctly | explains a word to a partner |
| Inquiry habit | follows steps with support | plans or records with the scaffolds | improves a plan after a first try |
Class observation checklist
| Name | Idea | Evidence | Words |
|---|---|---|---|
A tick a lesson is plenty.
Word wall cards
Cut out and build the wall as words arrive across the term.
notice with our senses
write or draw what we found
a good guess with a reason
change one thing, keep the rest the same
what we measured or saw
something that happens again
a feature we can observe
a push or a pull
what something is made of
where a living thing lives
a pattern that goes round again
say what the evidence shows
Dear families
This term in science, Year 7 explores balanced and unbalanced forces. We use observation, simple tests and clear science words. Ask: What did you notice today? What evidence did you use?
Try this at home
- Talk about a pattern you both notice outdoors or in the kitchen.
- Ask for one science word from the week and use it in a sentence.
- Draw a simple diagram of something they investigated.
Warm regards,
The Year 7 team
seegongsik.com/au/y7/physical/AC9S7U04/pack
Balanced or unbalanced?
Children explore “Balanced or unbalanced?” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.
We are learning to
- explain the idea behind balanced or unbalanced? in Year 7 words,
- use the board picture to check our thinking,
- record an example with evidence.
Success criteria
- I can show one clear example of today’s idea.
- I can say the idea in a short science sentence.
You need
- interactive unit open on “Balanced or unbalanced?” when available,
- worksheet (next sheet), one per child,
- optional cut-out cards or exit tickets (third sheet).
Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)
| 10 min | Hook Quick oral examples linked to the unit story. Ask: “What do you already know that might help today?” |
| 15 min | On the board Open “Balanced or unbalanced?”. Step the controls while children predict. Ask: “What changed? What stayed the same?” |
| 20 min | Worksheet Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below. |
| 15 min | Share and exit Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence. Ask: “In one sentence, what was today’s idea?” |
Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.
Watch for
- Skipping the board and only copying answers -- bring them back to the picture.
- Correct answer with no explanation -- ask how do you know?
Make it easier, make it bigger
- Easier: complete the first two worksheet items together.
- Bigger: invent one new example for a partner to solve.
Answers and look-fors
- Meeting the idea sounds like a clear sentence about balanced or unbalanced?.
- Drawings or numbers match the board story.
Balanced or unbalanced?
Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.
Exit tickets
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.
More mass, less acceleration
Children explore “More mass, less acceleration” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.
We are learning to
- explain the idea behind more mass, less acceleration in Year 7 words,
- use the board picture to check our thinking,
- record an example with evidence.
Success criteria
- I can show one clear example of today’s idea.
- I can say the idea in a short science sentence.
You need
- interactive unit open on “More mass, less acceleration” when available,
- worksheet (next sheet), one per child,
- optional cut-out cards or exit tickets (third sheet).
Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)
| 10 min | Hook Quick oral examples linked to the unit story. Ask: “What do you already know that might help today?” |
| 15 min | On the board Open “More mass, less acceleration”. Step the controls while children predict. Ask: “What changed? What stayed the same?” |
| 20 min | Worksheet Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below. |
| 15 min | Share and exit Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence. Ask: “In one sentence, what was today’s idea?” |
Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.
Watch for
- Skipping the board and only copying answers -- bring them back to the picture.
- Correct answer with no explanation -- ask how do you know?
Make it easier, make it bigger
- Easier: complete the first two worksheet items together.
- Bigger: invent one new example for a partner to solve.
Answers and look-fors
- Meeting the idea sounds like a clear sentence about more mass, less acceleration.
- Drawings or numbers match the board story.
More mass, less acceleration
Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.
Exit tickets
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.
Gravity is a force toward Earth
Children explore “Gravity is a force toward Earth” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.
We are learning to
- explain the idea behind gravity is a force toward earth in Year 7 words,
- use the board picture to check our thinking,
- record an example with evidence.
Success criteria
- I can show one clear example of today’s idea.
- I can say the idea in a short science sentence.
You need
- interactive unit open on “Gravity is a force toward Earth” when available,
- worksheet (next sheet), one per child,
- optional cut-out cards or exit tickets (third sheet).
Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)
| 10 min | Hook Quick oral examples linked to the unit story. Ask: “What do you already know that might help today?” |
| 15 min | On the board Open “Gravity is a force toward Earth”. Step the controls while children predict. Ask: “What changed? What stayed the same?” |
| 20 min | Worksheet Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below. |
| 15 min | Share and exit Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence. Ask: “In one sentence, what was today’s idea?” |
Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.
Watch for
- Skipping the board and only copying answers -- bring them back to the picture.
- Correct answer with no explanation -- ask how do you know?
Make it easier, make it bigger
- Easier: complete the first two worksheet items together.
- Bigger: invent one new example for a partner to solve.
Answers and look-fors
- Meeting the idea sounds like a clear sentence about gravity is a force toward earth.
- Drawings or numbers match the board story.
Gravity is a force toward Earth
Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.
Exit tickets
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.
Friction works against motion
Children explore “Friction works against motion” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.
We are learning to
- explain the idea behind friction works against motion in Year 7 words,
- use the board picture to check our thinking,
- record an example with evidence.
Success criteria
- I can show one clear example of today’s idea.
- I can say the idea in a short science sentence.
You need
- interactive unit open on “Friction works against motion” when available,
- worksheet (next sheet), one per child,
- optional cut-out cards or exit tickets (third sheet).
Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)
| 10 min | Hook Quick oral examples linked to the unit story. Ask: “What do you already know that might help today?” |
| 15 min | On the board Open “Friction works against motion”. Step the controls while children predict. Ask: “What changed? What stayed the same?” |
| 20 min | Worksheet Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below. |
| 15 min | Share and exit Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence. Ask: “In one sentence, what was today’s idea?” |
Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.
Watch for
- Skipping the board and only copying answers -- bring them back to the picture.
- Correct answer with no explanation -- ask how do you know?
Make it easier, make it bigger
- Easier: complete the first two worksheet items together.
- Bigger: invent one new example for a partner to solve.
Answers and look-fors
- Meeting the idea sounds like a clear sentence about friction works against motion.
- Drawings or numbers match the board story.
Friction works against motion
Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.
Exit tickets
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.
Tug-of-war: when forces balance
Children explore “Tug-of-war: when forces balance” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.
We are learning to
- explain the idea behind tug-of-war: when forces balance in Year 7 words,
- use the board picture to check our thinking,
- record an example with evidence.
Success criteria
- I can show one clear example of today’s idea.
- I can say the idea in a short science sentence.
You need
- interactive unit open on “Tug-of-war: when forces balance” when available,
- worksheet (next sheet), one per child,
- optional cut-out cards or exit tickets (third sheet).
Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)
| 10 min | Hook Quick oral examples linked to the unit story. Ask: “What do you already know that might help today?” |
| 15 min | On the board Open “Tug-of-war: when forces balance”. Step the controls while children predict. Ask: “What changed? What stayed the same?” |
| 20 min | Worksheet Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below. |
| 15 min | Share and exit Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence. Ask: “In one sentence, what was today’s idea?” |
Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.
Watch for
- Skipping the board and only copying answers -- bring them back to the picture.
- Correct answer with no explanation -- ask how do you know?
Make it easier, make it bigger
- Easier: complete the first two worksheet items together.
- Bigger: invent one new example for a partner to solve.
Answers and look-fors
- Meeting the idea sounds like a clear sentence about tug-of-war: when forces balance.
- Drawings or numbers match the board story.
Tug-of-war: when forces balance
Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.
Exit tickets
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.
Deeper look: Balanced or unbalanced?
Children explore “Deeper look: Balanced or unbalanced?” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.
We are learning to
- explain the idea behind balanced or unbalanced? in Year 7 words,
- use the board picture to check our thinking,
- record an example with evidence.
Success criteria
- I can show one clear example of today’s idea.
- I can say the idea in a short science sentence.
You need
- interactive unit open on “Deeper look: Balanced or unbalanced?” when available,
- worksheet (next sheet), one per child,
- optional cut-out cards or exit tickets (third sheet).
Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)
| 10 min | Hook Quick oral examples linked to the unit story. Ask: “What do you already know that might help today?” |
| 15 min | On the board Open “Deeper look: Balanced or unbalanced?”. Step the controls while children predict. Ask: “What changed? What stayed the same?” |
| 20 min | Worksheet Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below. |
| 15 min | Share and exit Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence. Ask: “In one sentence, what was today’s idea?” |
Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.
Watch for
- Skipping the board and only copying answers -- bring them back to the picture.
- Correct answer with no explanation -- ask how do you know?
Make it easier, make it bigger
- Easier: complete the first two worksheet items together.
- Bigger: invent one new example for a partner to solve.
Answers and look-fors
- Meeting the idea sounds like a clear sentence about balanced or unbalanced?.
- Drawings or numbers match the board story.
Deeper look: Balanced or unbalanced?
Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.
Exit tickets
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.
Deeper look: More mass, less acceleration
Children explore “Deeper look: More mass, less acceleration” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.
We are learning to
- explain the idea behind more mass, less acceleration in Year 7 words,
- use the board picture to check our thinking,
- record an example with evidence.
Success criteria
- I can show one clear example of today’s idea.
- I can say the idea in a short science sentence.
You need
- interactive unit open on “Deeper look: More mass, less acceleration” when available,
- worksheet (next sheet), one per child,
- optional cut-out cards or exit tickets (third sheet).
Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)
| 10 min | Hook Quick oral examples linked to the unit story. Ask: “What do you already know that might help today?” |
| 15 min | On the board Open “Deeper look: More mass, less acceleration”. Step the controls while children predict. Ask: “What changed? What stayed the same?” |
| 20 min | Worksheet Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below. |
| 15 min | Share and exit Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence. Ask: “In one sentence, what was today’s idea?” |
Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.
Watch for
- Skipping the board and only copying answers -- bring them back to the picture.
- Correct answer with no explanation -- ask how do you know?
Make it easier, make it bigger
- Easier: complete the first two worksheet items together.
- Bigger: invent one new example for a partner to solve.
Answers and look-fors
- Meeting the idea sounds like a clear sentence about more mass, less acceleration.
- Drawings or numbers match the board story.
Deeper look: More mass, less acceleration
Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.
Exit tickets
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.
Deeper look: Gravity is a force toward Earth
Children explore “Deeper look: Gravity is a force toward Earth” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.
We are learning to
- explain the idea behind gravity is a force toward Earth in Year 7 words,
- use the board picture to check our thinking,
- record an example with evidence.
Success criteria
- I can show one clear example of today’s idea.
- I can say the idea in a short science sentence.
You need
- interactive unit open on “Deeper look: Gravity is a force toward Earth” when available,
- worksheet (next sheet), one per child,
- optional cut-out cards or exit tickets (third sheet).
Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)
| 10 min | Hook Quick oral examples linked to the unit story. Ask: “What do you already know that might help today?” |
| 15 min | On the board Open “Deeper look: Gravity is a force toward Earth”. Step the controls while children predict. Ask: “What changed? What stayed the same?” |
| 20 min | Worksheet Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below. |
| 15 min | Share and exit Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence. Ask: “In one sentence, what was today’s idea?” |
Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.
Watch for
- Skipping the board and only copying answers -- bring them back to the picture.
- Correct answer with no explanation -- ask how do you know?
Make it easier, make it bigger
- Easier: complete the first two worksheet items together.
- Bigger: invent one new example for a partner to solve.
Answers and look-fors
- Meeting the idea sounds like a clear sentence about gravity is a force toward Earth.
- Drawings or numbers match the board story.
Deeper look: Gravity is a force toward Earth
Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.
Exit tickets
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.
Deeper look: Friction works against motion
Children explore “Deeper look: Friction works against motion” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.
We are learning to
- explain the idea behind friction works against motion in Year 7 words,
- use the board picture to check our thinking,
- record an example with evidence.
Success criteria
- I can show one clear example of today’s idea.
- I can say the idea in a short science sentence.
You need
- interactive unit open on “Deeper look: Friction works against motion” when available,
- worksheet (next sheet), one per child,
- optional cut-out cards or exit tickets (third sheet).
Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)
| 10 min | Hook Quick oral examples linked to the unit story. Ask: “What do you already know that might help today?” |
| 15 min | On the board Open “Deeper look: Friction works against motion”. Step the controls while children predict. Ask: “What changed? What stayed the same?” |
| 20 min | Worksheet Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below. |
| 15 min | Share and exit Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence. Ask: “In one sentence, what was today’s idea?” |
Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.
Watch for
- Skipping the board and only copying answers -- bring them back to the picture.
- Correct answer with no explanation -- ask how do you know?
Make it easier, make it bigger
- Easier: complete the first two worksheet items together.
- Bigger: invent one new example for a partner to solve.
Answers and look-fors
- Meeting the idea sounds like a clear sentence about friction works against motion.
- Drawings or numbers match the board story.
Deeper look: Friction works against motion
Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.
Exit tickets
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.
Show what we know
Children explore “Show what we know” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.
We are learning to
- explain the idea behind show what we know in Year 7 words,
- use the board picture to check our thinking,
- record an example with evidence.
Success criteria
- I can show one clear example of today’s idea.
- I can say the idea in a short science sentence.
You need
- interactive unit open on “Show what we know” when available,
- worksheet (next sheet), one per child,
- optional cut-out cards or exit tickets (third sheet).
Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)
| 10 min | Hook Quick oral examples linked to the unit story. Ask: “What do you already know that might help today?” |
| 15 min | On the board Open “Show what we know”. Step the controls while children predict. Ask: “What changed? What stayed the same?” |
| 20 min | Worksheet Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below. |
| 15 min | Share and exit Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence. Ask: “In one sentence, what was today’s idea?” |
Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.
Watch for
- Skipping the board and only copying answers -- bring them back to the picture.
- Correct answer with no explanation -- ask how do you know?
Make it easier, make it bigger
- Easier: complete the first two worksheet items together.
- Bigger: invent one new example for a partner to solve.
Answers and look-fors
- Meeting the idea sounds like a clear sentence about show what we know.
- Drawings or numbers match the board story.
Show what we know
Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.
Exit tickets
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Today I learned...
One piece of evidence was...
Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.