PUSH & PULL: Motion and Force Introduction

This is a complete, engaging science lesson plan designed to introduce the fundamental concepts of motion and force to young learners (Ages 5-9 / Grade K-2).

The lesson clearly explains that a force is needed to make an object move, stop, or change direction , and focuses on the two main ways we apply force: Push and Pull.

What’s Included:

Learning Objectives: Clearly stated goals for students to understand what a force is and to identify push and pull examples.

Simple Definitions: An easy-to-understand explanation of force as an “invisible ‘shove’ or ‘tug’”.

Key Distinction: A clear comparison table that defines Push (moving something away from you) and Pull (moving something toward you), including the associated hand motions and everyday examples like kicking a soccer ball (Push) and opening a drawer (Pull).

Interactive Activities:

Toy Car Push-Pull Race: A simple demonstration using a toy car and table to observe how forces affect speed and motion.

Push-or-Pull Hunt: A 10-minute active learning game to identify forces in a room or playground.

Real-Life Examples: A section with “Super Examples” such as Shooting a basketball (PUSH) and Starting a lawn mower (PULL).

Quick Quiz & Challenge: A short quiz to check comprehension and a drawing challenge.

Closing Song: A fun, memorable song (to the tune of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”) to reinforce the key concepts.

This resource is perfect for introducing basic physics concepts in a fun, hands-on way!