Forces | Small Group
Students explore push and pull forces through simple, hands-on activities. They observe how forces can start, stop, speed up, slow down, or change the direction of an object.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| force | A push or a pull that can make something move or change how it moves. |
| push | A force that moves something away from you. |
| pull | A force that brings something closer to you. |
| motion | The way something moves. |
Show a toy car and ask, 'How can we make this move?' Invite quick ideas and model a push and a pull.
Share ideas, then watch the teacher demonstrate a push and a pull.
In small groups, give students toy cars or balls. Ask them to gently push the object across a table and notice what happens when they push harder or softer.
Push objects and describe what they observe using simple words like farther, faster, or slower.
Give each group a string tied to an object or use ribbon attached to a toy. Have students pull the object toward them and compare it to pushing.
Pull objects toward themselves and discuss how the motion changes.
Hold up picture examples or act out actions. Ask students to decide whether each action is a push or a pull and explain why.
Sort examples verbally and give short explanations.
Guide a brief recap: pushes move things away, pulls bring things closer, and forces can change motion.
Share one thing they learned and one example of a push or pull.
Review the big idea: forces are pushes and pulls that can change how objects move. Ask each student to state one push example and one pull example before ending.