🏀 What Makes Things Move?
A force is a push or a pull on an object. Forces can make things start moving, stop moving, speed up, slow down, or change direction. You can't see forces, but you can see what they do!
⚡ Types of Forces
🍎
Gravity
Pulls everything toward Earth's centre
🛝
Friction
Resists motion between surfaces
🧲
Magnetism
Attracts or repels magnetic materials
💨
Air Resistance
Friction from air slowing things down
🏋️
Applied Force
When you push or pull something
🪃
Tension
Pulling force through ropes, strings
⚖️ Balanced vs Unbalanced
Forces in Balance
- Balanced forces — equal forces in opposite directions = no change in motion (e.g., book sitting on table)
- Unbalanced forces — unequal forces = object accelerates in direction of larger force (e.g., kicking a ball)
Tug of war:
⬅️ 100N | 🧍 | 100N ➡️ = No movement
⬅️ 150N | 🧍 | 100N ➡️ = Moves left
🍏 Newton's Laws (Simple)
Three Key Ideas
- Inertia — Things stay still or keep moving unless a force acts on them
- F = m × a — Bigger force = more acceleration. Bigger mass = harder to accelerate
- Action-Reaction — Every push has an equal push back
📏 Measuring Forces
Units and Tools
- Forces are measured in Newtons (N)
- Named after Sir Isaac Newton
- Measured with a spring balance or force meter
✏️ Activities
Activity: Force Hunt
Find examples of each force type around you:
- Gravity acting: ___________
- Friction acting: ___________
- Applied force: ___________
- Air resistance: ___________
Explain why a ball slows down after you kick it:
👩🏫 Teacher Notes
Curriculum Links
- Science: Physical World — forces, motion