Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Forces Code Breaker: Free Printable Game for Year 7
- ForYear 7
- StageKey Stage 3
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Forces Code Breaker is a free printable science game for Year 7 (ages 11 to 12) in Key Stage 3. Children crack four secret force words on the track. They read the clues, decode one word at a time and check that each answer fits its clue. It needs only a pencil, and page 2 gives the grown up notes, help for children who find it hard and a stretch idea.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages, give page 1 to your child and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
Children play a code breaking game on a track. Four secret force words are hidden, and each one comes with clues to read. Children use the code, where A is 1 and Z is 26, to decode one word at a time. There are lines for writing. At the end of each word, they check that what they have decoded makes sense for its clue.
Why use a code to practise forces?
In Key Stage 3 science, children move from simply naming forces to using them to explain how things move and change. A force is a push or a pull. It can speed an object up, slow it down, change its direction or change its shape. Forces are measured in newtons, and scientists often show them as arrows. The longer the arrow, the bigger the force.
Science depends on exact words. A child who can say and spell a force name with confidence is better placed to use it in an explanation. A code game gives that practice a purpose. Children must read each clue closely, decode with care and then ask whether the word fits. That last check is a useful habit for any science question.
Quick facts about forces
- A force is a push or a pull.
- Forces are measured in units called newtons. The unit is named after Isaac Newton.
- A force can change an object's speed, direction or shape.
- Scientists draw forces as arrows. The arrow shows the direction, and a longer arrow shows a bigger force.
- A newton meter is a tool for measuring forces.
Skills and curriculum link
- Naming forces
- Decoding
- Reading clues
- Scientific vocabulary
- Checking answers
Ideas to help crack the code
- Read the whole clue firstBefore decoding anything, read the clue twice. Ask what kind of push or pull it describes. This gives a sense of what the word might be.
- Use the letter and number linkA is 1 and Z is 26. If it helps, write the alphabet along the top of the page with a number under each letter.
- Decode one word at a timeFinish one word before starting the next. Writing each letter on the lines as you go keeps the work tidy and easy to check.
- Test the answer against the clueOnce a word is decoded, read the clue again. If the word does not fit, look back for a number that was copied or counted wrongly.
Key words
- ForceA push or a pull acting on an object.
- NewtonThe unit used to measure force. Its short form is N.
- Contact forceA force that acts when two objects are touching.
- DecodeTo turn a coded message back into ordinary words.
- ClueA hint that helps you work out an answer.
- Balanced forcesForces that are equal in size and opposite in direction, so the object's motion does not change.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for the child. Keep page 2 for the grown up.
- Read the clues aloud, then decode one word at a time.
- Check each answer against its clue. Ask, "Does this word fit?"
- Work through the first go together and talk about each choice. Then check against the notes on page 2.
- Come back to it another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Do the first word together. Point out that A is 1 and Z is 26. Write the alphabet with numbers underneath so your child can look up each letter. Say each letter aloud as it is found, then read the whole word back.
To stretch confident children
Ask for a second example of each force from a sport they know. Children can explain where the push or pull happens and what it does to the player or the ball. Encourage a full sentence for each one.
Make it a game
Race a friend. Whoever decodes all four words first wins. To keep it fair, both players must check each word against its clue before moving on. A word that does not fit must be fixed before it counts.
Talk about it
- What is the difference between a push and a pull? Can you find one of each in this room?
- Which clue was easiest to read, and what made it easy?
- How did you decide that a decoded word was right?
- Can you think of a force you can see working, and one you cannot see but know is there?
- Which sport do you know well? What forces act on the players or the ball?
- What would you do if your decoded word did not make sense?
Take it off the page
Push and pull hunt
Walk around the house or classroom. Find ten things that need a push or a pull to work, such as a door or a drawer. Sort them into two lists.
Make your own code
Choose three science words. Turn each letter into its number, with A as 1 and Z as 26, and swap codes with a friend to decode.
Ramp test
Lean a tray on a pile of books and let a toy car roll down. Try different surfaces on the tray and talk about what changes. Keep the ramp low and use a toy car only.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit beside your child for the first word, then let them lead. Read the clues aloud and ask how they know a word fits. You do not need to be a science expert. Praise careful checking.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or cover lesson within a forces unit. It needs no preparation beyond printing. Page 2 gives support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.
Home educators
Print it as part of a wider science plan. It pairs well with books, outdoor play and everyday talk about pushes and pulls. Reuse the sheet for brothers and sisters, or for revision a few weeks later.
Where this fits in learning about forces
Before Key Stage 3, children meet forces as pushes and pulls and begin to notice how they affect movement. By upper primary they have talked about forces such as gravity and resistance, and they may have used a newton meter.
In Key Stage 3, children use forces to explain motion in more detail. They draw and read force arrows, think about balanced and unbalanced forces and link forces to speed. Secure force vocabulary makes that work much easier.
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Forces Code Breaker for?
It is written for Year 7 (ages 11 to 12), in Key Stage 3. It also works as revision for older children, or as a recap of force words for confident younger learners.
- What will children practise?
They practise naming common forces from clues, in line with KS3 forces and motion. They also practise decoding, reading clues carefully and checking that an answer fits.
- What if my child finds the code hard?
Do the first word together. Point out that A is 1 and Z is 26, and write the alphabet with numbers under it. Then let your child try the next word alone.
- Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers, sisters or revision whenever you like.
- Can teachers use it in class?
Yes. It works as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing, and page 2 has support and stretch ideas.
- Is this a screen free activity?
Yes. It needs only paper and a pencil, so it suits quiet time, rainy days and school holidays. Children read, think and write by hand.
- Do I need to print in colour?
No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper. Print both pages, and keep page 2 for the grown up.
Preview the full PDF
Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.