Investigation - Push and Pull

Students understand the effect of the forces of push and pull on motion.  The student will demonstrate how forces cause changes in speed or direction of objects

 

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Investigation - Push and Pull

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Students will:

  • Use a Science Process and Thinking Skills
  • Manifest Science Interests and Attitudes
  • Understand Science Concepts and Principles
  • Communicate Effectively Using Science Language and Reasoning

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding
Extension suggestions: 

Art-

Have students fold a white paper into fourths. Mark each side with push on one side and pull on the other. Have the students draw four pictures of push with captions on the side and draw four pictures of pull on the other with captions. 

 

Language Arts-

Have students find some books about sports and/or outside games. Make graphic organizers of the pushes and pulls that happen in the activities. 

 

Science-

Whip a tablecloth out from under dishes. This bothers the tablecloth, but not the dishes. Hints: No hem on the tablecloth. Pull smoothly, quickly, and straight down. Use old and heavy dishes.

Place a coin on your forearm. Drop your arm and catch the coin with your hand without dropping it. The coin will remain in place for a moment after your arm is removed. Now put two or more coins in a straight line on your forearm and try the experiment again. You can also make a pile of coins and try it again. 

Stack 6 wooden blocks on the countertop. Lightly hit the top block with a ruler, and observe what happens. Now try hitting the bottom block in the stack. Hit it hard and straight on, following through with the ruler after impact. Observe what happens. 

Helpful Hints

Materials needed:

  • 5 washers
  • 4 1/4" X 5 1/2" piece of paper
  • Music for “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush”

Additional resources:

Books:

  • Awesome Experiments in force and Motion, Michael DiSpezio, Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. ISBN 0-8069-9821-0.
  • Forces, Karen Bryant Mole, Rigby Interactive Library, 1997. ISBN 1-57572-108-2.
  • Forces and Motion, Harcourt School Publishers, 2002. ISBN 0-15-322921-7.
  • Forces and Motion, Teacher Created Materials, Inc. 2001 ISBN 1-55734-625-9.
  • Magic School Bus Plays Ball, Scholastic Inc. 1997 ISBN 0-590-92240-8.
  • Push and Pull, by Patricia J. Murphy (Scholastic Library Publishing).
  • Pushing and Pulling (Science For Fun), by Gary Gibson (Copper Beach Books).

Laser Discs:

  • ideos: (Available from Jordan School District)
  • Forces: The Law of Motion (Disney, Bill Nye) #13027 26 minutes
  • Motion and Force: Play Ball (321 Contact) #10972 15 minutes
  • Force and Motion: Newton's Three Laws #07351 18 minutes

References

Contributors: 
Kathryn CromwellPrice
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation