Pushes and pulls
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can measure the size of pushes and pulls using a force meter.
Key learning points
- Pushes and pulls are forces. Different types of forces can be contact or non-contact forces.
- Forces can change an object's speed, direction, and/or shape.
- Forces can be measured using a force meter, also known as a newton meter.
- A force meter works by stretching a spring – as the downward force due to gravity increases, the spring stretches.
- Forces are measured in newtons (N), named after Sir Isaac Newton.
Keywords
Force - A force is a push or a pull. Forces can make objects move, change speed, change direction or change shape.
Force meter - A force meter is a piece of equipment used to measure the size of a force. It is also called a newton meter.
Push - A push is a force that moves an object further away.
Pull - A pull is a force that brings an object closer.
Newtons (N) - The size of a force is measured in newtons.
Common misconception
Forces only act on moving objects.
Examples of forces being used to move stationary objects will be included.
Teacher tip
Encourage pupils to take care when measuring using a force meter. If the marker is above a particular whole number, will the measurement be more or less than that number? See video to demonstrate specific aspects of working scientifically linked to the content of this lesson.
Equipment
A range of force meters: see additional materials for further detailed guidance.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Pushes and pulls are types of ________.
Q2.What type of force is the force of gravity?
Q3.Which types of forces occur when objects are touching each other?
Q4.Match each type of force to its example.
pushing open a door with your hand
pulling a paperclip with a magnet
Q5.If you throw a ball in the air, it falls back down to the ground because...
Q6.Starting with the smallest, sort these objects into order of increasing strength of their gravitational pull.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1. can change an object's speed, direction, and/or shape.
Q2.Which of these are a type of force?
Q3.What unit are forces measured in?
Q4.Which of these images shows a force meter?
Q5.Which of these images shows the smallest force on the force meter?
Q6.Which part of a force meter changes length when different forces are applied?
To help you plan your 5 science lesson on: Pushes and pulls, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 science lesson on: Pushes and pulls, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Forces including simple machines unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.