Push and Pull

Overview

Year Group: Year 1
Subject: Science
Unit: Push and Pull Forces (Lesson 4 of 5)
UK Curriculum Link:
Year 1 Science - Everyday Materials: Pupils should be taught to:

• Describe and compare the movement of objects by identifying forces as pushes or pulls.
• Use observations and exploration to develop simple explanations.
• Collaborate with peers in investigating scientific concepts.

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will:

1. Identify examples of both push and pull forces in their everyday lives.
2. Sort these examples into a Venn diagram, recognising the differences and overlaps between pushes and pulls.
3. Collaborate in small groups to discuss and demonstrate their understanding of push and pull forces.

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Materials

• Large visual Venn diagram (drawn on board/large chart paper)
• A4 paper Venn diagram worksheets (one per student)
• A variety of small objects: toy cars, rubber balls, playdough, cardboard boxes, and skipping ropes
• Flashcards with different scenarios (e.g., opening a door, pulling a wagon, kicking a ball)
• Blu Tack or magnets for securing materials to the board
• Colour pencils or crayons
• Name badges to facilitate group work (optional)

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter Activity (10 minutes)

1. Recap Previous Learning:

   • Begin the lesson with a quick recap of push and pull forces. Use questions like:
     “Can anyone remind me what we mean by a push force?”
     “And what about a pull force? What does that look like?”
   • Create a short, energetic call-and-response activity to ensure full participation, e.g.:
     • Teacher: “I push the door to…” (students: "close it!")
     • Teacher: “I pull the string to…” (students: "move the cart!")

2. Notice the Similarities:

   • Throw a ball lightly across the classroom and then roll it back towards you. Ask the class:
     “Was the ball pushed or pulled? Could it be both?”
     • Encourage quick responses to get them thinking about how forces work.

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2. Introduction to Venn Diagram Activity (10 minutes)

1. Big Venn Diagram Demonstration:

   • Show the class a large visual Venn diagram on the board or chart paper. Label one side Push, the other Pull, and the overlapping section Both.
   • Use a few objects from the materials provided (e.g., a small cardboard box) to provide examples: Push the box, pull the box with a string, then discuss how some objects can be pushed, pulled, or both.

2. Collaborative Thinking:

   • Show flashcards with short scenarios. For example:
     • Pushing a swing
     • Pulling open a door
     • Tugging a skipping rope
     • Moving a toy car forward
     • Moving a toy car backward
   • Discuss briefly whether each scenario is a push, pull, or both. Stick these cards onto the Venn diagram on the board.

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3. Group Activity (25 minutes)

Step 1: Small Group Exploration (15 minutes)

• Divide the class of 27 students into 9 groups of 3.
• Provide each group with an assortment of small objects (toy cars, skipping ropes, rubber balls, etc.).
• Assign one task to each group:
  • Sort the objects by figuring out if they are used with a push, a pull, or both.
  • Use the objects together to demonstrate how you are pushing or pulling. For example:
    • Push the ball lightly.
    • Pull the skipping rope taut.
  • Discuss within groups, ensuring everyone participates.

Step 2: Venn Diagram Worksheets (10 minutes)

• Hand out individual Venn diagram worksheets to the class.
• Ask students to draw and label the objects/scenarios they explored into the appropriate sections of the diagram.
• Encourage creative illustrations or simple stick figures to represent their chosen examples.
• Early finishers can colour in their diagrams.

Teacher's Role During Activity

• Rotate between groups to guide and assess understanding. Ask open-ended questions to draw out their thinking:
  • "What happens when you push the box harder?"
  • "Why do you think you need to pull the string?"
• Provide subtle scaffolding for students working at lower levels by giving prompts or tailoring questions to their level.

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4. Class Discussion and Reflection (10 minutes)

1. Showcase Group Findings:

   • Randomly select 3-4 groups to come up to the front and share examples they categorised in their worksheet.
   • Position one or two examples from their discussion onto the large Venn diagram on the board.

2. Encourage Critical Thinking:

   • Ask the class broader questions to deepen their understanding:
     • "Are there any objects that can only be pushed but not pulled? Why not?"
     • "What happens when we push objects very gently vs. very hard?"

3. Real-Life Connections:

   • Relate the discussion to their everyday lives:
     • “Can you think of a time you used a pushing or pulling force on your way to school?”
     • “What about at lunchtime, when you opened or closed something?”

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5. Plenary (5 minutes)

1. Quick Quiz:

   • Call out a few movements (pushing a swing, pulling a rope, pulling a chair, pushing a ball). Students show thumbs-up for push and thumbs-down for pull. If it’s both, they can stretch their arms out wide.

2. Exit Challenge:

   • As the children line up to leave the classroom, ask each student to share one example of a push or pull force they used today.

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Differentiation

• For Early Learners: Work closely with groups that need guidance; offer extra hints and scaffolding when sorting objects. Use visuals/demonstrations and limit writing requirements.
• For Advanced Learners: Add a challenge to their worksheet: Ask them to list activities in their daily routine where they use both forces (e.g., closing a drawer involves both a pull and a push).

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observe students' participation in group discussions and their application of push/pull concepts during object sorting.
• Review individual Venn diagram worksheets for accuracy and understanding.
• Use oral reflections, questions, and the plenary ‘exit challenge’ to gauge retention.

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Extension Activity

For students who finish early or seek more challenge, encourage them to create a short role-play or physical demonstration of a push or pull force scenario. They can act it out in groups for the class in the next lesson.

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This engaging, hands-on lesson is designed to fit into the UK National Curriculum standards for Year 1 and offers creative, collaborative ways to solidify the concept of push and pull forces. It’s sure to leave students excited to explore forces further!