Forces
for kids

Forces for kids learning at Primary School. Homework help with Forces and Motions. Learn pushing and pulling the forces that create motion for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

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Year 3 & 4

What is a force?

A force is a push or a pull. Forces can make objects speed up, slow down, change direction or change shape.

What is a force?
Watch a video on forces and see what they are and what they can do.

What is a force?
Forces explained with diagrams.

Forces need contact

Forces need contact between two objects. Imagine a football, when you kick it changes direction. It won't change direction on its own until it hits something. Imagine dropping a book. It won't stop until it hits the floor. It needs contact before it changes.

Magnets

Magnetic forces are forces that a made using a magnet. These don't need to touch objects for it to cause a force, the magnet can either push or pull using a magnetic force.

Magnetic Forces
When two magnets are close, they create pushing or pulling forces on one another. Watch the video to find out about North & South poles

Year 5 & 6

What is friction?

Friction is when two surfaces touch each other. A rough surface creates a lot of friction whereas a smooth surface creates less friction. For this reason, roads are rough to help cars slow down. Have you ever walked on ice? It is very hard to stop sliding as ice has a smooth surface and very little friction.

Know this about friction we can create rough surfaces to stop us slipping, like on the bottom of your shoes, or we can create smooth surfaces like a snooker ball on a table.

Friction also produces heat. Rub your hands together. Are your hands getting hot? Your hands are creating friction so your hands will start to fill warm.

What is Friction?
Friction is a force between two surfaces that are sliding, or trying to slide, across each other. Watch the video then test your knowlege.

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