Pushes and Pulls

Suitable for grades K - 2 and aligned to the NGSS standards.

What is a Force?
Whenever an object is in motion, it is because a force acted on the object causing it to move. A force is a push or a pull.

A push is when you press something away from you. You use a push when jump in the air. You use a push when you throw or hit a ball. The push force starts the ball moving.

A pull is when you tug something closer to you. You use a pull when you open a draw or drag a suitcase. The pull causes the objects to move.

There can be more than one force acting on an object. When you use a bow and arrow, you push and pull at the same time.

Forces can have different strengths. A large, strong force will move an object further and faster than a smaller, softer force.

Larger, stronger forces are required to move heavier objects. The force required to move the truck up the hill is much greater than the force required to pull the cart.