Push and pull forces
This Topic is About...
- I will learn about pushing and pulling.
- I will learn how to make simple measurements.
- I will record what I see in a table.
- I will learn how to stay safe when doing science.
You’re going to be a science explorer!
Key Words
- machine
- push
- slide
- start
- stop
Tap to Learn the Meanings!
- machine: Something that helps us do a job more easily.
- push: To move something away from you using force.
- slide: To move smoothly across a surface.
- start: To begin something.
- stop: To make something end or not move anymore.
Great job learning new science words!
Machines That Push
T his bulldozer is a machine. It uses a pushing force to move things..
FUN QUESTION
1. What other machines push and pull to make things move?
Show me
Moving Things with Forces
W e can move things by using a push force or a pull force.
QUESTIONS ABOUT PUSH AND PULL
1. Push and pull this science book.
Show answer
2. Think of other things you can push and pull.
Show answer
3. Think of something that you can’t push or pull.
Show answer
FUN QUESTIONS
1. Why do some things not move when you push them?
Show answer
2. Talk about the pushing force and the pulling force.
Show answer
3. Are the forces too big or too small?
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4. How could the children pull and push with more force?
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5. How could another child help?
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Starting and Stopping Movement
S ometimes we push or pull to start things moving. To make things stop, we sometimes push or pull again.
Let’s Investigate!
Question: With the same push, how far will each thing slide?
You will need: a chair, a large rubber band, bricks, large sheets of paper, sticky tape, and different things to slide.
Safety First:
- Take care when putting the rubber band on the chair legs.
- Make sure fingers are clear before letting go.
What’s happening:
Adra pulls the rubber band back. When she lets go, the rubber band pushes the book. The book slides.
Marcus is predicting what will happen before they test.
Method:
- Put the rubber band on the chair legs.
- Place one object at the starting line.
- Pull the rubber band back the same amount each time.
- Let go and watch the object slide.
- Measure how far it slides using bricks.
- Test different objects.
Results:
Record what happens in a table like this:
| Object | How far? |
|---|---|
| box | 9 bricks |
| pencil case |
Follow-up Questions:
How am I doing?
You pulled the elastic band back so that it pushed things. Draw what would happen with a bigger elastic band pulled back more. Explain this to a friend.
Great investigating! You are learning how pushes affect movement.