Matilda activities KS2 – Investigate the physics of Matilda

What's included?

Lesson plan, worksheets and extracts

Key Stage

KS2

Age

Years 3-6

Subjects

This Matilda activities KS2 PDF contains instructions for a physics exploration focusing on Matilda’s special powers and how this relates to forces.

Wouldn’t it be great to be like Roald Dahl’s Matilda Wormwood and be able to move objects just by thinking about it?

First published 30 years ago, this much-loved tale is perfect to explore in the classroom – based as it is around school life and packed with memorable characters, from the wicked Miss Trunchbull to magical Matilda herself.

Matilda activities KS2 learning objectives

Develop ‘working scientifically’ skills and work collaboratively to investigate different forces
Experience some unusual effects of forces
Identify forces that work at a distance

This download contains:

Lesson plan
KS2 science activity worksheets
Two printable extracts from Matilda by Roald Dahl

Starter activity

Ask your children what they remember about forces. They may remember that forces are ‘pushes’ and ‘pulls’, can make things move or change speed or direction, or that they can change the shape of some objects.

Ask for some examples. It is likely that children will think in terms of opening and closing doors or kicking a ball.

Some may mention gravity (weight) or magnetism. Remind children about Matilda moving chalk with her telekinetic power. Can this happen?

We know that forces can move objects, but can they really be moved without being touched? Watch the clip from the 1996 film where Matilda moves objects with her mind. Let’s investigate!

Deborah Herridge is science subject leader for initial teacher education at the University of Northumbria in Newcastle. She is co-author of Pearson’s Science Bug programme for primary science. Browse more ideas for Roald Dahl Day.