Forces | Centers
Students explore how pushes and pulls move objects and change motion through short, hands-on centers. The lesson is designed for quick rotation, simple observation, and easy teacher check-ins.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| force | A push or a pull that can make an object move or change how it moves. |
| push | A force that moves an object away from you. |
| pull | A force that moves an object toward you. |
| motion | The way something moves. |
Show one object and model a push and a pull. Briefly explain that students will visit centers to test forces.
Watch, listen, and repeat the words push and pull.
Set out a toy car or ball. Ask students to push it gently and then harder. Prompt them to notice what changes.
Try different pushes and describe how far or fast the object moves.
Provide string or ribbon attached to a small object. Guide students to pull the object toward them and observe motion.
Pull the object and talk about how pulling changes its movement.
Place paper clips near a magnet and ask students to test how the magnet pulls the clips without touching them.
Use the magnet to move paper clips and record that the magnet is a pulling force.
Bring students together and restate that forces are pushes and pulls that can change motion. Ask volunteers to share one example from a center.
Teacher observes students during centers and checks their responses on the recording sheet or verbal explanations to confirm they can identify push, pull, and motion.
At home, find two examples of a push or pull and draw or write them on a half-page sheet.