CURRICULUM RESOURCES
Year 2 | Physical sciences | Push-pull
Forces are at work in everything we do – we push to open doors, and pull to tie ropes. Gravity pulls on things to make them fall down or to keep them down. Scientists and engineers study forces to design better bridges and faster aeroplanes, and to reduce the forces that impact on people in car accidents.
The Push-pull unit is an ideal way to link science with literacy in the classroom. The unit provides the opportunity for students to explore pushes and pulls. Through investigations, students observe and gather evidence about how these forces act in air and water, and on the ground. Students identify the effect of the pull of gravity and learn that both air and water can 'push'.
Article written by a teacher about 'Push-pull'
It is recommended that the Push pull unit be taught before the Smooth moves unit to provide students with learning opportunities that introduce and explain concepts about forces and motion which are used in the Smooth moves unit.
Unit at a glance (PDF)
Unit outcomes (PDF)
Unit overview (PDF) (DOC)
Equipment lists (PDF)
Indigenous curriculum links (PDF)
Indigenous Perspectives framework (PDF)
Indigenous Perspectives Teaching and learning guide
Assessment resources
Factual texts
In PrimaryConnections units, assessment is an ongoing and embedded process which enhances learning.
Recording and reporting tools included are:
- Assessment checklists (PDF) (DOC)
- Assessment rubrics (PDF) (DOC)
- Science journal/work sample tags (PDF) (DOC)
These tools provide only a snapshot of the variety of assessment and reporting methods that can be used in conjunction with PrimaryConnections.
Factual texts
Floating and sinking
Riley, Peter (Ways into science series, Franklin Watts, 2001, 30pp)
ISBN: 0 7496 3957 1
Push and pull
Riley, Peter (Ways into science series, Franklin Watts, 2001, 30pp)
ISBN: 0 7496 3953 9
Forces around us
Hewitt, Sally (It’s science series, Franklin Watts, 2000, 30pp)
ISBN: 0 7496 3604 1
Narrative texts:
Who sank the boat?
Allen, Pamela (Penguin Books Ltd, 1988, 32pp)
ISBN: 0140509402
One sunny morning, a cow, a donkey, a sheep, a pig and a tiny little mouse are rowing out on the bay when their boat sinks. Join the animals as they explore why the boat sank and who caused it to sink.