English National Curriculum - Science
Mission Objectives
Describe how mass acts through the centre of mass and how it helps objects to stay stable
Identify the centre of mass of a regular shaped object
Identify the centre of mass of an irregular shaped object
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Words and meanings to learn
balance
a condition where an object stays steady and doesn’t tip over, usually because its centre of mass is above its base of support
weight
the force of gravity acting on an object; it depends on the object’s mass and the gravitational field strength
plumbline
a string with a weight at the end, used to find a vertical line or direction; it's often used to locate the centre of mass when an object is suspended
centre of mass
the point in an object where all its mass seems to be concentrated; it's the point where the object balances evenly in all directions
suspended equilibrium
a state when an object is hanging and remains still because its centre of mass is directly below the point of suspension, meaning the object is balanced
Samantha is an accomplished science educator with over 15 years of leadership experience and a strong background in scientific analysis. She has a proven record of leading departments effectively, improving practice, and working collaboratively with stakeholders.
In her current work, Samantha embeds evidence-informed pedagogical principles such as retrieval practice, clear modelling, and effective sequencing to support high-quality curriculum design and professional development. She draws on assessment insight and common misconceptions to help teachers secure strong student understanding.
She is a former Head of Chemistry and Sixth Form Tutor at Ilkley Grammar School, with extensive Key Stage 4 and 5 experience, and an AQA examiner, giving her valuable insight into assessment standards and exam requirements.
In her spare time, Samantha enjoys playing the accordion with her local orchestra and has recently taken up cricket.
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