Understanding Force and Motion with Simple Experiments

Why does a ball roll when you push it? Why does it eventually stop? The following are some of the basic questions that are at the core of force and motion, two very interesting concepts of physics that describe the nature of motion, acceleration or deceleration, and the reason things move. To children, learning about force and motion does not only lie in memorizing the laws of Newton but also by observing and experimenting with the world they live in. From throwing a ball to cycling uphill, every movement tells a story about forces and motion.
Let’s explore the types of motion, types of forces, and some hands-on science experiments that make this concept easy and exciting to understand!

1. What Is Force?

Definition: Force is an act of pushing or pulling an object. It is able to make something move, to stop, turn or even to change shape.
Everyday Examples:

• You apply force when you push a swing.
• Objects are pulled down by the gravity of the earth.
• Magnetic force is the attraction of iron nails by a magnet.

Without force, there’s no motion!

2. What Is Motion?

Motion is defined as the movement of an object with time. When an object changes its position each time, then it is considered to be in motion.

Types of Motion:

1. Linear Motion – It is movement in a straight line from one point to another. Example: A car moving along a straight road.
   
2. Circular Motion – It occurs when an object moves around a fixed center or point in a circular path. Example: The blades of a fan rotating.
   
3. Oscillatory Motion – This is a repetitive back-and-forth movement around a central position. Example: A swing moving to and fro.
   
4. Rotational Motion – It happens when an object spins around its own axis. Example: A globe rotating on its stand.

3. Types of Forces

Objects are worked on in numerous ways by forces. The most frequent types of forces that children experience on a daily basis are:

• Gravitational Force – It is the force that pulls objects toward the Earth or any other body with mass. Example: An apple falling from a tree.
  
• Frictional Force – It opposes the motion of one surface sliding over another. Example: A car slowing down when brakes are applied.
  
• Muscular Force – The force applied by the muscles of humans or animals to move or lift objects. Example: Lifting a bag or pushing a cart.
  
• Magnetic Force – The force exerted by magnets on other magnets or magnetic materials. Example: A magnet attracting iron nails.
  
• Electrostatic Force – The force between objects that are electrically charged. Example: A charged balloon attracting small paper bits.
  
• Tension Force – The pulling force transmitted through ropes, strings, or cables. Example: A rope holding a hanging object.

4. Newton’s Laws of Motion Simplified for Kids

Sir Isaac Newton described the operation of force and motion in his three rules of motion.

1. Newton’s First Law of Motion (Law of Inertia)

1. Description:

Newton’s First Law states that an object will remain at rest or continue to move in a straight line at a constant speed unless acted upon by an external force. This means that objects resist any change in their state of motion, a property known as inertia. The greater the mass of an object, the greater its inertia, and therefore, the more force required to change its motion.

Example:

A football lying on the ground will not move on its own. It needs an external force, like a kick, to start moving. Similarly, once it’s rolling, it will keep moving until friction or another force (like a player’s foot) stops it.

2. Newton’s Second Law of Motion (Law of Acceleration)

Description:

Newton’s Second Law explains how the motion of an object changes when a force is applied. It states that the acceleration of an object depends directly on the force applied and inversely on its mass. The law is mathematically expressed as:

F=m×aF = m \times aF=m×a

where F is the force, m is the mass, and a is the acceleration.
 In simple terms, the more force you apply, the faster an object accelerates, but heavier objects need more force to achieve the same acceleration.

Example:

 It’s much easier to push an empty shopping cart than a full one. The empty cart has less mass, so it accelerates more quickly when the same amount of force is applied.

3. Newton’s Third Law of Motion (Action and Reaction Law)

Description:

 Newton’s Third Law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This means that forces always come in pairs, when one body exerts a force on another, the second body exerts an equal force in the opposite direction on the first body. These forces act on different objects, which is why they don’t cancel each other out.

Example:

When you jump off a boat, you push the boat backward as you move forward. Your legs apply a force on the boat (action), and the boat pushes back on you with an equal and opposite force (reaction).

5. Simple Hands-On Science Experiments

Try these easy STEM activities for kids to see force and motion in action!

Experiment 1: Balloon Rocket

Concept: Newton’s Third Law (Action & Reaction)
 Materials: Balloon, string, straw, tape
 Steps:

1. Thread a straw through a string and tie between two chairs.
2. Blow up a balloon, tape it to the straw.
3. Let go of the balloon.

Observation: The balloon zooms forward as air rushes out.
Explanation: Air pushes backward, balloon moves forward, action and reaction!

Experiment 2: Rolling Race (Friction in Action)

Concept: Friction
Materials: Toy cars, ramp, sandpaper, cloth, plastic sheet
Steps:

1. Roll toy cars down different surfaces.
2. Measure how far each travels.

Observation: Cars roll farther on smoother surfaces.
Explanation: Less friction means more motion.

Experiment 3: The Swinging Pendulum

Concept: Oscillatory Motion and Gravity
Materials: String, small ball, tape
Steps:

1. Tie the ball to the string and hang it.
2. Pull back and let go.

Observation: It swings back and forth before stopping.
Explanation: Gravity and air resistance slow it down.

6. Connecting Force and Motion with Real Life

 Children can see motion and force everywhere:

• Riding a bicycle (muscular force, friction).
• Throwing a ball upward (gravity pulls it down).
• Cars using engines and brakes (force and friction).
  

7. Integrating STEM Learning at Home

Encourage curiosity through STEM activities for kids. Ask questions like:

• What made it move?
• Why did it stop?
• What will happen if I push harder?
  This kind of inquiry-based learning builds observation, reasoning, and creativity.
  

8. Quick Recap

9. Why Learning Force and Motion Matters

Knowing about force and motion teaches children to investigate the working of the world. It builds logical reasoning, observation, curiosity and problem solving which is important in STEM learning.

10. How EuroSchool Makes Science Fun and Interactive

At EuroSchool, science is all about discovery. Our curriculum based on STEM integrates problem-solving, observation, and inquiry with the help of interactive classroom activities. Balloon rockets and magnetic experiments, all the lessons relate theory with real world knowledge.

We do not just teach science but we make it fun, practical and entertaining to every child, the one who feels curious and confident about learning.

👉 Visit EuroSchool to see how our experiential teaching approach helps students understand force and motion with creativity and excitement!