Air resistance resources

Task: Describe which cyclist uses more energy and why. Assessment focus: forces created by air resistance.

Students construct three different sized parachutes from plastic bags. They then carry out a fair test to see which sized parachute is the most effective. Students answer questions about fair tests, collect and record their results, and make a conclusion.

Task: Students answer questions about what will make mountain bike riders go faster. Assessment focus: Air resistance.

Task: describe how different features of a racing car help it go fast. Assessment focus: technological responses to forces.

Students compare cars from different eras. They describe how different features of modern cars make them safer. The task assesses students' understanding of how technology can make cars faster and safer.