Level 1: Pushes and pulls

Forces and motion · level 1 of 8 · rough age 5-6 (a guide for parents; anyone can start anywhere)

In this level you find out what a force is: a push or a pull. You see that a force can start something moving, stop it, speed it up or turn it, and squash or stretch it. You find out why heavy things are hard to get moving, and why on Mars a box is easier to lift but still just as hard to push into motion.

Lesson	You will be able to
Pushes and pulls	Say whether an everyday action is a push or a pull
Starting and stopping	Explain that a push or a pull is needed to start something moving and to stop it
A bigger push	Say what a bigger push does to how fast something starts moving
Heavy things are harder to move	Explain why a full trolley needs a bigger push than an empty one
Turning and squashing	Name two more things a force can do: change the way something goes, and change its shape
Moving things on Mars	Explain why a box on Mars is easier to lift but just as hard to get moving

Next: Level 2: Rubbing and rolling · Forces and motion topic page