Forces incursion | Stage 4 Science | Field of Mars EEC
Program overview
Forces is a Stage 4 Science incursion where students investigate Aboriginal Peoples’ application of Knowledge about forces through practical experiences with tools and technologies. Students use and test fire drills, grinding stones, stone tools and clubs to examine how forces support toolmaking, fire-making and other everyday activities.
Students conduct a scientific investigation comparing the distance travelled by a model spear when thrown with and without a model woomera. They make predictions, follow a controlled procedure, collect primary data and use evidence to explain how the woomera operates as a lever. The program develops Working Scientifically skills and provides data that can support further classroom analysis or assessment.
Fieldwork inquiry
- How are Aboriginal Peoples’s knowledge of forces applied to solve everyday problems?
- What forces are involved in creating and using traditional tools and technologies?
- How do some traditional tools function as simple machines?
Jump to: Program and curriculum | Essential information | Plan and prepare| Location | Extend learning | Related programs
Program and curriculum information
Fieldwork activities
Activities may change to suit student needs, timing and weather conditions.
Tools and technologies workshop (1 hour)
Students investigate how Aboriginal Peoples apply scientific Knowledge about forces through practical experiences with a range of tools and technologies. They use fire drills to explore how friction and repeated movement can generate heat and examine how the selection of suitable natural materials contributes to the effectiveness of the technology.
Students also work with grinding stones, stone materials and model clubs to investigate how applied forces can shape materials or change an object’s motion. Through observation, testing and guided discussion, students consider how the design, materials and use of each tool are suited to its purpose and reflect detailed knowledge developed through ongoing connection to Country.
Woomera investigation (1 hour)
Students investigate the woomera as a lever and examine how it changes the force applied to a model spear. They consider the provided investigation question, make a prediction and compare the distance travelled by a model spear when thrown by hand and when launched using a model woomera.
Working in groups, students follow a planned procedure, identify the independent, dependent and controlled variables and measure each throw using appropriate units. They record primary data in a table, repeat trials to improve reliability and calculate the mean distance for each throwing method.
Students analyse their results to identify patterns and compare the effectiveness of the two throwing methods. They use evidence from their investigation and labelled diagrams to explain how the woomera operates as a lever and affects the speed and distance travelled by the model spear.
Worksheet and supporting resources
Student worksheet
Field of Mars EEC provides each student with a workbook for recording observations, measurements and investigation data.
Teachers are provided with sample responses after the incursion.
Teacher and student resources
Suggested timetable
Time |
Classes A and B |
|
| 9.00–10.00 | Tools and technologies workshop | Woomera investigation |
| 10.00–11.00 | Woomera investigation | Tools and technologies workshop |
Time |
Classes C and D |
|
| 11.30–12.30 | Tools and technologies workshop | Woomera investigation |
| 12.30–1.30 | Woomera investigation | Tools and technologies workshop |
Each class completes approximately one hour of tools and technologies activities and one hour of woomera investigation.
Learning activities may run in either order. When two classes attend a session, the classes alternate between activities.
Include the school’s bell times in the notes section of the booking form. The program works best as a continuous 2-hour session and may require some classes to begin recess or lunch earlier or later than usual.
Schools with more than four classes will need to book an additional program day.
Syllabus outcomes and content
Students will learn to
- identify examples of Aboriginal Peoples’ application of Knowledge about forces
- describe how forces are applied in tools and simple machines
- identify contact and non-contact forces and construct force diagrams
- make a prediction about the effect of a woomera on throwing distance
- follow a planned procedure and use scientific equipment safely
- identify independent, dependent and controlled variables
- collect and record quantitative primary data
- calculate and compare mean throwing distances
- use data to identify patterns and draw conclusions
- communicate findings using tables, force diagrams, labelled machine diagrams and written explanations
Science 7–10 Syllabus (2023)
Focus area
Forces
Outcome
- SC4-FOR-01 – describes the effects of forces in everyday contexts
Working Scientifically outcomes
- SC4-WS-01 – uses scientific tools and instruments for observations
- SC4-WS-04 – follows a planned procedure to undertake safe and valid investigations
- SC4-WS-05 – uses a variety of ways to process and represent data
- SC4-WS-06 – uses data to identify trends, patterns and relationships, and draw conclusions
- SC4-WS-08 – communicates scientific concepts and ideas using a range of communication forms
Content addressed
Conducting investigations
Students:
- Use appropriate equipment and resources to perform an investigation
- Follow the planned procedure, including the measurement and control of variables
- Record observations and measurements accurately, using correct units for physical quantities
Processing data and information
Students:
- Use a range of representations to organise data, including models, diagrams and tables
- Calculate the mean of a dataset
Science 7–10 Syllabus (2023) © NSW Education Standards Authority for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2023.
Vocabulary
Essential information
Cost, class numbers and booking
Cost
DoE school $20 per student – GST free
Non-government school $26 per student – GST free, minimum charge $750 per class
Schools outside Greater Sydney – minimum charge $750 per class
Program length
Recommended program length of two hours.
Maximum two sessions per day.
Classes
Maximum four classes per day, with up to 30 students per class.
A maximum of two classes can participate in each session.
Program costs
Program costs may change. If program costs change after you book, you will be charged at the original cost.
Booking policy
Confirm final student numbers and classes 7 working school days before the program.
Include the school’s bell times in the notes section of the booking form.
Risk assessment and accessibility
View incursion risk assessments
The school should ensure the selected indoor and outdoor learning spaces, furniture arrangements and movement routes are accessible and appropriate for participating students.
Classroom teachers are expected to attend and actively supervise students throughout the incursion. Schools should maintain an adult-to-student supervision ratio of at least 1:15.
Students who are unwell should not participate.
Notify Field of Mars EEC before the incursion about medical, mobility, sensory, communication or other support needs so reasonable adjustments can be considered.
What to bring and prepare
School preparation
- Include the school’s bell times in the notes section of the booking form.
- Organise students into suitable working groups.
- Ensure students have pencils and clipboards.
- Advise Field of Mars EEC of learning, medical or access requirements.
- Ensure the required indoor learning space, oval, gates and access routes are unlocked and available.
Field of Mars EEC supplies the specialist program equipment and student workbooks required for the incursion.
Students should bring
School sports uniform, medication, water bottle, sunscreen, raincoat, hat, sturdy enclosed shoes, pencils, clipboard and a reusable name tag.
Weather, cancellations and rescheduling
The program may be modified, postponed or cancelled because of predicted extreme temperatures, bush fire danger, heavy rainfall, high winds or dust storms.
Cancellation or rescheduling with less than 30 school days’ notice before the booking date – $650
Cancellation with less than 14 school days’ notice before the booking date – full program cost
Cancellation due to unsafe weather or fire danger – $0
Plan and prepare
Learning space and access
Provide one large, open grassed outdoor space, such as a sports field or oval, for the woomera investigation.
Provide one large indoor or sheltered learning space, such as a hall or double classroom, for the tools and technologies activities.
Both spaces must be available to all participating classes for the duration of the program day.
Provide Field of Mars EEC staff with clear school-entry, visitor sign-in and parking instructions. Where possible, arrange parking or an unloading area close to the main learning spaces.
Ensure the school office and participating teachers know when Field of Mars EEC staff will arrive and where each activity will be delivered.
Session organisation
Ensure the required indoor space, oval, gates and access routes are unlocked and available before the first session.
Inspect outdoor learning areas for temporary hazards before the program begins.
Include the school’s bell times in the notes section of the booking form. Each class requires a continuous 2-hour session and may need to begin recess or lunch earlier or later than usual.
Field of Mars EEC supplies the specialist program equipment and student workbooks required for the incursion.
Location
School incursions
Planning information for incursions delivered at your school, including learning spaces, accessibility, risk management and staff access.
Extend student learning
Use these student-friendly fact sheets before or after the Forces incursion to support learning about Aboriginal technologies, natural materials, Country and the environments from which resources are obtained.
- Grass tree fact sheet – Explore a native plant whose resin and flower stems have been used in toolmaking, spear construction and fire-making.
- Scribbly gum fact sheet – Learn how eucalypt bark, timber and other materials have been used for tools, containers, shields and shelters.
- Spiny-headed mat rush fact sheet – Investigate strong, flexible plant fibres used by Aboriginal Peoples for weaving baskets and other objects.
- Plant fact sheets – Compare native plants, their material properties and their connections with Aboriginal knowledge and technologies.
- Eucalypt forest ecosystems fact sheet – Explore the connected plants, materials, habitats and natural features of eucalypt forest Country.
- Field of Mars Reserve environment fact sheet – Learn about local Country, bush resources and Aboriginal Peoples’ continuing connections with land and waterways.
Learn with us
Book this incursion
Book this Stage 4 Science incursion using our online booking form.
Supporting resources
Access worksheets, scientific investigation materials and classroom learning resources that support secondary science excursions and incursions.
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