Explore Forces with Push and Pull Sorting Cards

One of the best ways of making science concepts stick for younger learners is to provide concrete examples of the topic being taught. Are you ready to make learning about push and pull forces a breeze for your students? Our matching card game has been designed by our expert teacher team to enhance your students’ understanding of these fundamental physics concepts.

This push and pull sorting game contains 20 picture cards. Students are required to sort the cards depending on whether a push force or a pull force is being applied to the object. Some of the push and pull sorting cards included in the resource are:

• Pushing a swing
• Pulling a zipper
• Pushing a light switch
• Pulling a bow
• Pushing a trolley
• Pulling a rope

This resource downloads as a full-color PDF or editable Google Slides file. These push and pull sorting cards cater to different learning styles, promote active participation and make the learning process more enjoyable.

Multiple Uses for These Push and Pull Sorting Cards

There are many engaging ways these push and pull example cards can be used in your forces and motion science lessons. Here are a few suggestions you might like to try:

1. Force Diagram Creation – After sorting the cards, encourage your students to create force diagrams. These diagrams visually represent the direction and magnitude of the push and pull forces, helping them grasp the concept on a deeper level.
2. Storytelling with Cards – Challenge your students to use the sorting cards to create a story that involves push and pull forces. This activity enhances their creativity, storytelling skills and understanding of the forces’ applications in everyday life.
3. Push and Pull Force Cherades – Turn the push and pull sorting cards into a game of Cherades. One student selects a card and has to act out the picture on the card, while others guess whether it’s a push or pull force. This activity encourages active participation and enhances communication skills.

By incorporating these ideas, you can make the learning experience around push and pull forces more interactive, engaging and effective for your students. 

Download and Print These Push and Pull Sorting Cards

Use the Download button above to access the easy-print PDF of the editable Google Slides version of these push and pull sorting cards. (Note: You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides template on your personal drive before accessing it.)

It is recommended that you print the resource on cardstock as this will enhance the durability of the resource.

Place the cards into a large envelope or ziplock bag and hey, presto! You have a fully prepared, hands-on science activity for your next lesson on push and pull forces!

This resource was created by Gaby Perez, a teacher in Texas and a Teach Starter collaborator.

More Push and Pull Resources Are a Click Away!

Are you looking for more push and pull resources to complement your science planning? Click below for a great sample of teacher-made resources!

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Pushes and Pulls Mini-Book

Explore pushes and pulls with your students with this printable mini-book perfect for 3rd grade science lessons.

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Push and Pull Examples – Matching Game

Have students explore examples of push and pull forces with this matching game to use during your forces and motion science unit.

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Push and Pull Forces Teaching Slides

Teach your students about push and pull forces with this comprehensive and age-appropriate teaching presentation for elementary school science lessons.