Children are introduced to the concept of force as they explore different ways to make objects move.
How can we make this cardboard block move? Push it!
Hit it with a wooden block. That force makes it move!
Materials
- Cardboard block or empty box
- Long rectangular wooden block, toy croquet mallet, or similar tool
- Pull toy with a string or handle attached
- Small piece of paper for each child
Directions: Lesson 1
Circle Time: Introduction
- Place a cardboard block or a box in the middle of the circle. Possible discussion ideas:
- Is the block moving or not moving? How do you know?
- How can we make the block move? By looking at it? Singing to it? By pushing it?
- Try those ideas, and then have children suggest and demonstrate their own ideas.
- As children try to move the block, encourage them to describe what their classmates do.
- Who can describe how (child’s name) made the block move? If the child pushed it, explain that a push is a force that can make an object move.
- If the child swung with the block/mallet, explain that hitting the block with the block/mallet created a force—a very strong push—that made it move.
- Display a toy with wheels and a handle or string attached (such as a pull toy or wagon). Possible discussion ideas:
- How can we make this toy move?
- Who can describe how (child’s name) made the toy move? (She/he pulled it.)
- Review that a pull is a force that can make an object move.
- Have children blow onto their palm as you explain that moving air by blowing also creates a force that can make objects move. Hand each child a small piece of paper.
- Tell children to fold or crumple the paper.
- Have them put the paper on the floor in front of them and put their hands behind their back.
- Ask them to explore how they can make the paper move without touching it with their hands, feet, or any other part of their body. (They can blow on it!)
- Encourage children to talk about how they made the paper move. Possible discussion ideas:
- How did you make the paper move? What force did you use?
- What did you observe when you blew the paper?
- Did anyone notice the same thing? What else did you observe?
- Tell children that they will be able to further explore moving things by blowing in the Learning Center during an activity called Blowing Paint.
