---
title: "Pushes & Pulls"
description: "Understand that pushes and pulls are forces that can change the speed or direction of an object's motion, and compare the effects of different strengths and directions"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/pushes-and-pulls-mt_B3W5EfimJw
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/pushes-and-pulls-mt_B3W5EfimJw.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Pushes & Pulls

Understand that pushes and pulls are forces that can change the speed or direction of an object's motion, and compare the effects of different strengths and directions

Subject: Science · Area: Forces & Motion · Ages 5 to 6
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/pushes-and-pulls-mt_B3W5EfimJw

## Ready when they can

- Describe a push and a pull as types of force that make objects move, speed up, slow down, or change direction
- Compare the effects of a gentle push versus a strong push on the same object
- Predict the direction an object will move based on the direction of the applied force

## Lesson: Pushes and Pulls

A push moves something away from you. A pull moves something toward you. Both are forces.

*(drawing: A strong push moves the car much farther than a gentle push.)*

**Example.** Mia pushes her toy car softly. It rolls a little way. Then she pushes hard. It zooms far across the floor.

**Tip.** Watch which way you push or pull. The object moves that same way.

Strength works for pulls too. A strong pull moves a toy farther than a gentle pull. And a push or a pull can start or stop motion. It can start a still toy rolling. It can stop a rolling ball.

**Recap.** A push or pull is a force that changes motion.

## Practice

24 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Drawing Force Diagrams](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/drawing-force-diagrams-mt_k7GOtslF-x)

## Opens up

- [Friction & Surfaces](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/friction-and-surfaces-mt_-p_xp4hMvh)
- [Speed and energy](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/speed-and-energy-mt_2Um22lTBZV)
- [Resultant Forces](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/resultant-forces-mt_AiWlJfvC3O)
- [Strengthening Structures](https://lightmysky.com/learn/design-and-technology/strengthening-structures-mt_QnYDI3itJY)
- [Testing Push & Pull Designs](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/testing-push-and-pull-designs-mt_RlILL2sccX)