Pushes and Pulls

Pushes and Pulls

What students learn

Students learn that a force can be a push or a pull and that forces can start, stop, or change motion. Start with Pushes and Pulls: Name the Two Main Forces so the two force words land first.

Why it matters

Pushes and pulls show up in everyday life, from opening a door to kicking a ball. Use Pushes and Pulls: Spot Forces in Everyday Actions to help students connect the idea to objects they already know.

Learn the idea

A push moves something away from you. A pull brings something closer to you. Watch Pushes and Pulls: Compare Stronger and Weaker Pushes and ask students to notice that forces can be small or strong, but they still change motion.

Try it

Give students a book, a toy car, or a pencil. Ask them to show one push and one pull. Then have them say which action made the object move faster or farther. Replay the first moment if they need another reminder of the force words.

Parent guide

At home, ask your child to point out pushes and pulls in daily routines such as closing a drawer, tugging a zipper, or rolling a ball. Keep the talk simple: if they can name the force and describe the movement, they understand the lesson.