Forces and Movement · B1 Science

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: B1.4.3.1.1 - Explain force as a pull or a push on an object.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Define a force as either a push or a pull on an object in their own words.
Identify at least three everyday activities at home or in the community that involve a push or a pull.
Demonstrate a push and a pull using their bodies or objects around them.
Classify given actions correctly as either a push or a pull.
Explain in simple terms that a push or a pull makes an object move or stop moving.

This lesson opens the topic of Forces and Movement. In the next week, learners will build on this foundation to understand simple machines, so today’s focus is strictly on identifying and naming pushes and pulls as forces.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Forces and Energy (Strand 4)
Sub-strand: Forces and Movement (4.3)
Content standard: B1.4.3.1 - Know that movement is caused by applied forces due to the release of stored energy
Indicator: B1.4.3.1.1 - Explain force as a pull or a push on an object.
Suggested placement: Term 3, Week 1 (Week 25 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: Science Curriculum (Basic 1-3), 2019, p. 29
Transcribed from the official NaCCA publication. Check this page against the source.

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

- Show pictures or ask learners to mention activities in the home and the community that involve a push or a pull, e.g. donkey pulling a cart, people pushing a car, people drawing water from a well
- Take learners outside the classroom to participate in several games or activities involving pull or a push force, e.g. kicking and throwing of balls, pushing and pulling of boxes, tables and chairs and tug of war
- Learners observe the movement of things, e.g. leaves, plants, balloons and other materials under the influence of the wind. Pictures and videos can be used. Let them discuss other actions that will cause objects to move.
- Guide learners to brainstorm on why the pushed objects move
- Elaborate on learners' responses to explain that a push or a pull causes objects to move. Such a push or pull is termed as a force
- Engage children in drawing activities involving pushing and pulling e.g. a friend pushing an object