What your child will discover
Help the child understand that motion is a change in position over time and that a force is an interaction capable of changing motion or shape.
Lesson 248 of 300
What Are Forces and Motion?
Learn that forces are interactions that can change an object’s motion, direction, rotation, or shape.
4–5 yearsScience, Technology & MediaAdult guided
This language pathway is active. The authoritative curriculum lesson is currently presented in its original English while its reviewed local-language edition is prepared.
Science, Technology & Media · KnowledgeForKids.com
Listen together · adult controls the audio
The spoken lesson
"Motion means an object changes position over time. We can describe its speed, direction, and rotation. A force is an interaction that can change motion or shape. A hand may push or pull through contact. Gravity and magnetism can act without direct contact. When forces balance, an object's motion does not change. When the combined force is unbalanced, an object may start, stop, speed up, slow down, or turn. Forces can also stretch, compress, or bend materials. Friction and air resistance often slow moving objects. Forces are pushes, pulls, and other interactions that can change motion or shape." DESIGN REQUIREMENTS: Use slow safe movement and visible reference points. Avoid collision games, heavy objects, projectiles, force competitions, or incorrect "force is stored inside moving things" imagery.
Words to notice together
FORCEMOTIONPOSITIONSPEEDDIRECTIONPUSHPULLBALANCED
Make it real
Pause, point, name what you notice, and connect the idea to something familiar in your child's day. Repetition, a calm voice, shared attention and dependable care matter more than finishing quickly.