Lesson 1
Children explore ways they can make objects move and observe how objects move when they use a big force versus a little force.
Circle Time: Introduction
We Can Make It Move
5-10 min.
Children are introduced to the concept of force as they explore different ways to make objects move.
View ActivityKeep the Ball Rolling
5-10 min.
This circle game helps children explore ways they can make a ball roll and stop. Children also compare giving the ball a big push versus a little push.
View ActivityGuided Small Group
Little Push, Big Push
5-10 min.
Children explore how far a block will slide when given a little push or a big push.
View ActivityCoconut Star, Levels 1-3
5-10 min.
In the Initial Force levels, children use a “kicking boot” machine to kick a coconut and explore how the amount of force they use (little, medium, or big) affects how far the coconut will roll.
View ActivityLearning Centers
Blowing Paint
5-15 min.
Children use a straw to blow at paint puddles and make the paint move. They use big and little breaths to create paint splatter designs.
View ActivityPush and Slide
5-15 min.
Children play a tabletop “shuffleboard” game, using little and big pushes to land plastic lids in close and far zones.
View ActivityCoconut Star
5-10 min.
Children try to make a coconut land on a star while exploring how the amount of force, the steepness of a ramp, and the surface texture of the pathway affect how far a coconut will roll.
View ActivityOutdoors
Roll, Throw, Kick!
10-15 min.
Children find out which force makes a ball go farthest: rolling, throwing, or kicking.
View ActivityCircle Time: Wrap-Up
And Everyone Shouted, 'Pull!'
10 min.
Children participate in this read-aloud using motions, words, and song. They make connections to their own explorations of how objects can be made to move.
View Activity