Friction is a Force - Student Misconceptions

Friction is a Force - Student Misconceptions
Publication Date: April, 2014
Type of Resource: Teacher background info

This resource discusses student misconceptions about friction.

The resource provides teaching strategies for teaching about friction as a contact force. It also includes critical teaching ideas and research about student alternative conceptions.

Critical teaching ideas covered:

  • Explaining friction as the idea that all surfaces have tiny bumps.
  • When two surfaces slide over one another the tiny bumps push on each other.
  • Friction causes a force on a surface which is in the opposite direction to its motion.
  • Friction can be reduced by the application of lubricants.

New Australian Curriculum 9 Codes: AC9S4U03 (Year 4)

Australian Curriculum:
  • Year 4 > Science Understanding > Physical Sciences > Forces can be exerted by one object on another through direct contact or from a... > ACSSU076