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PRIMARY 6: BASIC SCIENCE – THIRD TERM | WEEK 6

Updated May 11, 2026Basic Science, Primary 6, Third Term

TOPIC: FRICTIONAL FORCE

A: TEACHING AND LEARNING MATERIALS

  1. Wooden block.
  2. Rough surface.
  3. Smooth surface.
  4. Toy car.
  5. Lubricating oil.
  6. Sandpaper.
  7. Pictures of vehicle tyres and shoe soles.

B: REFERENCE MATERIALS

  1. Scheme of work.
  2. Recommended Basic Science textbook for Primary 6.
  3. Online educational resources.

C: PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE

The pupils have learnt that force is a push or pull and that contact forces act when objects touch each other.

D: PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

  1. Define friction.
  2. Explain how friction occurs.
  3. Give examples of friction.
  4. State advantages of friction.
  5. State disadvantages of friction.
  6. Mention ways of increasing friction.
  7. Mention ways of reducing friction.

E: CONTENT

Meaning of Friction

Friction is a force that opposes the movement of one surface over another. It acts when surfaces rub against one another.

Examples of Friction

Friction occurs when:

  • We walk on the ground.
  • A car tyre moves on the road.
  • We write with a pencil.
  • We rub our hands together.
  • Bicycle brakes are applied.

Advantages of Friction

Friction helps us to:

  1. Walk without slipping.
  2. Hold objects firmly.
  3. Write with pencils and chalk.
  4. Stop vehicles with brakes.
  5. Keep nails and screws in place.

Disadvantages of Friction

Too much friction can:

  1. Cause wear and tear.
  2. Produce unwanted heat.
  3. Damage machine parts.
  4. Slow down movement.
  5. Waste energy.

Increasing Friction

Friction can be increased by:

  1. Making surfaces rough.
  2. Using treaded tyres.
  3. Wearing shoes with rough soles.
  4. Spreading sand on slippery ground.

Reducing Friction

Friction can be reduced by:

  1. Applying oil or grease.
  2. Using ball bearings.
  3. Making surfaces smooth.
  4. Using wheels.

Lubricants

Substances such as oil and grease used to reduce friction are called lubricants.

F: LESSON PRESENTATION

F1: Teachers’ Activities

  1. Defines friction.
  2. Slides an object over rough and smooth surfaces.
  3. Discusses everyday examples of friction.
  4. Explains advantages and disadvantages.
  5. Demonstrates ways of reducing friction.
  6. Shows tyre and shoe patterns used to increase friction.
  7. Explains lubricants.

F2: Pupils’ Activities

  1. Define friction.
  2. Observe objects moving on different surfaces.
  3. Mention examples of friction.
  4. State advantages.
  5. State disadvantages.
  6. Suggest ways of increasing or reducing friction.

G: CONCLUSION

The teacher explains that friction can be useful or harmful depending on the situation. Pupils are encouraged to identify situations where friction should be increased and situations where it should be reduced.

H: EVALUATION GUIDE

Pupils should be able to answer the following questions:

  1. What is friction?
  2. Mention four examples of friction.
  3. State three advantages of friction.
  4. State three disadvantages of friction.
  5. Mention two ways of increasing friction.
  6. Mention three ways of reducing friction.
  7. What is a lubricant?
  8. Give two examples of lubricants.