Discovering Pushes and Pulls in Nature

Next Generation Science

This engaging science video introduces young learners to the concept of forces within the natural world, specifically focusing on how wind and water act as agents of motion. Building upon the foundational understanding that pushes and pulls make objects move, the narration guides students to observe these forces in action outside of human intervention. It illustrates how invisible forces like wind can have visible effects, such as moving sailboats or turning wind turbines, and how moving water exerts force on objects like kayaks and surfboards. The video explores key themes of physics and earth science, bridging the gap between abstract concepts (force, motion) and tangible reality. It highlights the dual nature of forces—distinguishing between 'pushes' (wind pushing a sail) and 'pulls' (a kite pulling a surfer). The imagery transitions from gentle examples, like dandelion seeds floating, to high-energy examples like extreme sports, effectively demonstrating that natural forces vary in strength. For educators, this resource serves as an excellent hook for units on Forces and Motion (NGSS K-PS2-1) or Weather. It provides clear, real-world examples that allow teachers to move beyond classroom demonstrations (like pushing a chair) to observing the environment. The video's clear narration and question-based ending make it an ideal tool for sparking inquiry-based learning, prompting students to identify other natural forces in their own surroundings.