Push and Pull for Kids: How Forces Make Things Move (Kindergarten to Grade 2 Science)

Hi, I'm Luna from DoodleBeez. Today we are learning about forces. A force is a push or a pull. Every time something starts to move, a force is making it happen!

A push moves something away from you. You push a door to open it. You push a friend on a swing. You push a cart around the grocery store.

A pull moves something toward you. You pull a wagon behind you. You pull open a drawer. In tug of war, both teams pull on the rope as hard as they can.

A gentle push makes a ball roll slowly, and only a short way. A big, strong push makes it roll faster and farther. Bigger forces make bigger changes.

Forces can start things moving, stop them, or change their direction. Kick a ball to start it rolling. Catch it to stop it. Hit it with a bat to send it back the other way.

Heavy things need a bigger push or pull. An empty box slides easily across the floor. A box full of books takes much more force to move. Sometimes you need a friend to help!

Now it's your turn. Is opening a drawer a push or a pull? Pause and try. It is a pull! You move the drawer toward you. And closing the drawer? That is a push.

Great job! Remember, a force is a push or a pull. Forces start, stop and turn things, and a bigger force makes a bigger change. Practice push and pull in the Science Lab at doodlebeez.com. See you next time!