Push and Pull Playground

Kelsey Sproat

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Push and Pull Playground

Forces of Push and Pull in Science

In this lesson, students will explore the playground to identify and experience different examples of push and pull forces in action. This hands-on approach will help young learners grasp the concepts of forces in a fun and engaging way. Understanding these basic physical science concepts lays the foundation for more complex scientific learning in later grades.

Audience

1st Graders

Time

30 Minutes

Approach

Forces of Push and Pull in Science

Materials

Discussion Questions, Worksheet: Playground Push and Pull, and Printable Cards: Push and Pull Labels

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Start the lesson by asking students if they know what it means to push something and what it means to pull something.
Demonstrate with a few objects in the classroom (e.g., pushing a chair, pulling a door).
Explain that today, we will be going to the playground to find examples of push and pull forces.

Step 2

Playground Exploration

15 mins

Take the students to the playground.
Instruct them to explore the playground and find objects that they can push and pull.
Give them the printable cards to label objects (e.g., swing - pull, slide - push).
Assist them in identifying different actions (e.g., pushing a swing vs. pulling it back, climbing a structure vs. sliding down).

Step 3

Discussion and Wrap-Up

10 mins

Gather the students and discuss what they found.
Use the discussion questions to guide the conversation.
Hand out the worksheet for students to complete with pictures or words about what they pushed and pulled.
Explain how push and pull help us move things and do work in everyday life.

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Discussion

Discussion Questions

These questions will help guide the wrap-up discussion after the playground exploration.

What did you find that you could push on the playground?

Encourage students to think about objects they encountered, such as swings, slides, and balls.

What did you find that you could pull on the playground?

Guide students to recall actions like pulling a swing back, pulling on monkey bars, or ropes on the playground.

Why do you think it's important to understand pushing and pulling?

Help students connect the concept to real-life applications, like playing sports, moving items at home, or interacting with the environment.

Worksheet

Playground Push and Pull

Students will draw or write about the objects they found on the playground that they could push and pull.

Draw a picture of something you pushed on the playground.

Think about the swing, slide, or other equipment.

Draw a picture of something you pulled on the playground.

Consider things like the swing, climbing ropes, or other equipment.

Worksheet

Push and Pull Labels

Printable labels for students to use during the playground exploration to identify and categorize push and pull actions.