Lesson One: What is force ?
A force is defined as a push or a pull. Think about all of things that are pushed or pulled in order to put things into motion. A force can act on an object to change its motion. Watch this short video below explaining just how force and motion work together.
When you throw a ball into the air, you use force to push it up. Another force pulls it back down. Why do you think this happens? A force can make an object start moving or make it move faster and faster. A force can also change the direction in which an object is moving. For example, when riding your bike, you move the handle bars. This changes the direction of the bike's force. A force can also make an object change shape. A balloon changes its shape when you fill it with air. The air pushes the sides outward causing it to take on a new, circular shape.
Think outside the box! A force can be thought of as something more than just a push or a pull. Watch the video below entitled "Flipping Physics" to experience a different take on the definition of a force. For those of you who may need extra support and would like to read the lecture notes that go along with this video, see the "flipping physics" file next to the video link.
(Please note: There is A LOT of information in this short video. Try not to get stopped up on all of the unfamiliar terms used here; this is just an introduction and a science glossary is linked below to help you define some of these new terms.)
(Please note: There is A LOT of information in this short video. Try not to get stopped up on all of the unfamiliar terms used here; this is just an introduction and a science glossary is linked below to help you define some of these new terms.)
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Review some of the new vocabulary you learned while watching the video by visiting the science glossary link. Remember, if you are ever stuck on a word that you do not understand or cannot recall its meaning, look back at this glossary to refresh your memory. |