500 birds make a lot of mess! Use Deborah Herridge’s Roald Dahl-inspired lesson to look at forces and pattern seeking.
Poor James Trotter. Beginning with the ‘unstoppable’ charging rhinoceros that killed his parents, our hero has been at the mercy of forces throughout Roald Dahl’s story of transatlantic adventure.
Perhaps it’s about time James started to take control, harness the effects of forces and wreak his revenge on the cruel Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker.
In this lesson, and with a little help from the seagulls, children will investigate forces in an enquiry that is perfect for Roald Dahl Day and will have all repulsive aunties running for cover!
What they’ll learn
- Develop the skills needed to work scientifically and collaboratively to plan an investigation
- Investigate fair testing and pattern seeking
- Use mathematics skills to measure accurately
- Use data to predict outcomes
Deborah Herridge is science subject leader for Initial Teacher Education at the University of Northumbria and co-author of Pearson’s Science Bug programme for Primary Science. Browse more free Roald Dahl Day resources.
Similar resources
- Microhabitat – Investigate microscopic animals living in moss
- Circuits Year 4 – Circuits and switches science worksheets
- Bonfire Night activities – Learn about density, thrust and forces
- RSPB Birdwatch – 2025 school resources and survey sheets
- Voytek the bear – WW2 animal hero story and KS2 resource pack
