Lesson 1: Pushes and pulls

Before starting this unit, check the children can recall the following ways of using forces to change the shape of materials from the unit Science, Year 2, Uses of everyday materials:

Use the following activity to elicit this knowledge. Gather the modelling dough and show it to the class. Mime and name the actions stretch: squash, roll, bend and twist. Turn your back to the class and perform one of the actions. Present the modelling dough to the class and ask them to vote on the action used. Reveal the answer after each vote. Explain that the actions that change the shape of the modelling dough require a force.