Forces Year 3 & 4

Forces for kids

Forces

Forces
Year 3 & 4

Forces Year 3 & 4 KS2 learning at Primary School. Homework help with Forces and Motion. Learn about what a force is and magnetic forces for Key Stage 2.

Pick a level




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.

BBC Bitesize websiteWhat is a force?
Watch a video on forces and see what they are and what they can do.
DK Find Out ForcesWhat is a force?
Forces explained with diagrams.

Pushing and pulling video

Push Pull BlocksPush & Pull Blocks
Push and pull the blocks.

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.

Friction

The force between two surfaces is called friction. Friction works in the opposite direction and always slows the moving object down.

A car on a road and a ice skater

There is friction is between a car and the road. The rough surface of the road helps the car stop easily and gives it grip when moving.

Rough bumpy surfaces create a lot of friction. Smooth, flat surfaces create very little friction.

There is friction is between ice skates and the ice. The smooth surface doesn’t make it easy to stop and it’s easy to slide around on the ice.

Shoe tread and a skier

Because we understand friction we can use friction to help us. We can add grip to the soles of our shoes to stop us from slipping over on smooth surfaces. Or fancy a bit of fun? We can make skis really smooth so it moves quickly over the snow.

Friction can produce heat. Rub your hands together, can you feel the heat between your hands? This is how a match works. The friction between a match and the rough surface on the matchbox creates heat and lights the match. *Do not try this at home without an adult.

Sign up to our newsletter

Friction video

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.

BBC Bitesize websiteMagnetic 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

Magnetism video

Free online Science games




Also on Super Brainy Beans

MaterialsEnvironment Light & Sound Electricity Earthquakes Angles