1
Big push, small push
Workbook 2: Topic 2.3, p. 25
GoalSay that a bigger push makes an object move faster and a smaller push makes it move slower.
New words
speed · how fast or how slowly something movesfast · moving a long way in a short timeslow · moving only a short way in a long time
Explanation
A force can make an object start to move. How fast it moves depends on the size of the force. If Leo gives a ball a big push, it rolls away fast. If he gives the same ball a small push, it rolls away slowly. We draw a big force with a long fat arrow. We draw a small force with a short thin arrow. A bigger push makes an object go faster. A smaller push makes it go slower.
Worked examples
Leo gives the toy car a big push. The car shoots across the floor, so it moves fast.
Sara gives the same toy car a small push. The car creeps along, so it moves slowly.
A ball hit by a big kick flies fast. A ball touched gently by a foot rolls slowly.
Class activity
Push and watch (with an adult): sit on the floor with a ball or toy car. Give it a tiny push, then a medium push, then a big push. Each time say “fast” or “slow”. Which push made it go fastest?
Practice
1
Which push will make the ball go faster?
B, the big push.
2
Mia gives a toy train a small push. Will it move fast or slowly?
Slowly.
3
Finish the sentence: a bigger push makes an object move ...
faster.
4
How do we draw a big force in a picture?
With a long, fat arrow.