Outcomes

Pupils can calculate and scale areas in metres squared.
Pupils can recall and use the relationship between pressure, force and area : Pressure = force / area

Specification References

5.4 recall and use the relationship between pressure, force and area : Pressure = force / area

The students will use measuring cylinders stuffed with foam to discover the relationahip between force and pressure and area and pressure.
SET 1 - Measuring cylinders will have the same cross sectional area of foam but have different length metal cylinders (to change the force) to drop into the cylinder. They watch or even record the distance the foam is pushed down.
SET 2 - Measuring cylinders will be of different CSA's and have equal mass metal cylinders with different CSA's. They watch or record how the foam is depressed by object of varying CSA.

Pool the students thoughts on how the force affects pressure and how CSA affects pressure. Try to encourage a quantitative relationship.
From these observations/discoveries help the pupils derive the formula for pressure.
PRESSURE YOU EXERT ON THE GROUND - Have the pupils draw round their shoes on a piece of graph paper and count squares to determine the area of their shoe prints. Using the Scales they can find their mass - use W = mg to find their Weight and calculate the pressure.
You can use the following powerpoint on pressure to discuss various example of where pressure is reduced or increased in order to serve different purposes.

Here is a powerpoint with a 'Who wants to be a millionaire' quiz to test the pupils. You can use the mini whiteboards.