Push and Pull Forces
Things move when we push or pull them. Let's find out how!
What Is a Push? What Is a Pull?
A force is a push or a pull. Forces make things move, stop, or change direction.
PUSH
A push moves something away from you.
PULL
A pull moves something towards you.
How Things Move
When you push or pull something, it can move in different ways!
Slide
Moves along a surface
A book on a table
Roll
Turns over and over
A ball on the ground
Bounce
Hits and springs back
A basketball
Spin
Goes round and round
A spinning top
💡 Think About It!
Find a ball at home. Can you make it slide, roll, and bounce? What did you do differently each time? What makes you say one is a push and another is a pull?
🧪 Try It at Home!
Push and Pull Scavenger Hunt
Walk around your house and find things that need a push or a pull to work.
👈 Find 5 things you PUSH:
- ● A button on a remote
- ● A toy car
- ● A door (to close it)
- ● A light switch
- ● Can you find more?
👆 Find 5 things you PULL:
- ● A drawer handle
- ● A zipper
- ● A door (to open it)
- ● Your socks (to put them on)
- ● Can you find more?
Key Vocabulary
Force
A push or pull that can make something move, stop, or change direction.
Push
A force that moves something away from you.
Pull
A force that moves something towards you.
Motion
When something is moving — sliding, rolling, bouncing, or spinning.
Knowledge Check
Choose the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right!
Question 1
Kicking a ball is an example of a... ⚽
Question 2
Opening a drawer is an example of a... 📦
Question 3
When you drop a basketball, what does it do? 🏀
Question 4
What happens if you push a toy car on a table?
Question 5
Which of these uses a PULL force? 🤔
Key Concepts Summary
- ●A force is a push or a pull.
- ●A push moves something away from you. A pull moves something towards you.
- ●Forces can make things start moving, stop, or change direction.
- ●Objects can slide, roll, bounce, or spin when a force is used.
- ●We use pushes and pulls every day without even thinking about it!