Class Demonstration
Materials:
Take the class to a door that only opens one way. Stare at the door and ask students if the door will open all by itself? So the door needs force to open it. Ask students how force could be applied to the door. Then ask a student to push on it from the wrong side. After they push and the door doesn’t open, and then ask them why the door isn’t opening? Have the student pull the door open. As a class, define the words force, push, and
pull.
- Door that only pushes open one way.
Take the class to a door that only opens one way. Stare at the door and ask students if the door will open all by itself? So the door needs force to open it. Ask students how force could be applied to the door. Then ask a student to push on it from the wrong side. After they push and the door doesn’t open, and then ask them why the door isn’t opening? Have the student pull the door open. As a class, define the words force, push, and
pull.
Group Activity
Materials:
Provide the large items. Give students a challenge to get all the objects from one side of the room to another. After they have moved all the items provide them with the wagon and ramps. Allow students a chance to try again using these tools. Which was easier? Are some items easier to push/pull? Why are wagons easier to push/pull then boxes?
- Small items (penny, marble, block, paper, paper clip)
- Table
- Large items (heavy boxes with handles(light enough for toddlers to push and pull), Heavy boxes without handles (light enough for toddlers to push and pull), big bulky stuffed animal, ect…)
- wagon
- Boards (ramps)
Provide the large items. Give students a challenge to get all the objects from one side of the room to another. After they have moved all the items provide them with the wagon and ramps. Allow students a chance to try again using these tools. Which was easier? Are some items easier to push/pull? Why are wagons easier to push/pull then boxes?
Effective Questions to use
How does a door wedge work to keep a door open?
Would you rather push or pull everything?
Would you rather push or pull everything?