Push / Pull

What are Pushes and Pulls?

In science, every time you move something, you are using a force. A force is simply a push or a pull. Forces are invisible, but we can see what they do to objects!

1. The Push

A push is a force that moves an object away from you.

• Examples:
• Pressing a doorbell.
• Kicking a soccer ball.
• Placing a toy car on the floor and shoving it forward.
• Closing a heavy door.

2. The Pull

A pull is a force that moves an object toward you.

• Examples:
• Opening a drawer.
• Tugging on a zipper.
• Walking a dog on a leash.
• Picking up a backpack from the floor.

3. What Can Forces Do?

Pushes and pulls don't just move things; they can change them in three main ways:

1. Change Speed: A big push makes a ball go fast; a tiny push makes it roll slowly.
2. Change Direction: If a ball is rolling toward you and you push it to the side, it changes its path.
3. Change Shape: If you squeeze (push from both sides) a piece of playdough, it changes shape!

4. Natural Forces (Hidden Pushes and Pulls)

Some forces happen even if we aren't touching the object:

• Gravity: A natural pull that tugs everything toward the center of the Earth. It’s why things fall down instead of floating away.
• Magnetism: Magnets can pull metal objects toward them or push other magnets away.

5. Force and Mass

The amount of force you need depends on how heavy (the mass) the object is.

• Small Mass: A light feather only needs a tiny puff of air (push) to move.
• Large Mass: A heavy refrigerator needs a very strong push from a grown-up to move even an inch.

Lesson Summary

• A force is a push or a pull.
• Push: Moves things away.
• Pull: Moves things closer.
• Gravity is a pull that holds us to the ground.