Explore force and motion with this simple push and pull ramp experiment for kids! Using a toy car and an easy DIY ramp, kids can investigate how pushes and pulls change motion. This hands-on physics activity is perfect for kindergarten and early elementary learners and uses supplies you likely already have at home or in the classroom.
Science Concepts
Science Topic: Force and Motion
Theme: Pushes and Pulls
Grade Level: Kindergarten–2nd Grade
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: 10–15 Minutes
Concepts Explored: Force, Motion, Pushes, Pulls, Observation, Cause and Effect
What Are Pushes and Pulls?
A push moves an object away from a person or object. A pull brings an object closer.
Both pushes and pulls are types of forces. Forces can change how objects move. They can make objects start moving, stop moving, speed up, slow down, or change direction.
In this simple investigation, kids will explore how different pushes and pulls affect a toy car’s motion.
Push and Pull Ramp Experiment Set Up
Supplies
- Toy car
- Piece of cardboard, board, or sturdy book
- Books or blocks
- String or yarn
- Tape
Set Up
- Create a ramp by placing one end of the cardboard or board on a stack of books or blocks.
- Tape a piece of string to the toy car so it can be pulled back up the ramp.
- Leave enough room at the bottom for the car to roll across the floor.
Push and Pull Investigation
Test 1: Let It Roll
Place the toy car at the top of the ramp and release it without pushing.
🔎 Observe how the car moves.
Test 2: Gentle Push
Place the car at the top again. Give it a gentle push.
🔎 What changes?
Test 3: Strong Push
Push the car a little harder.
- Does it move faster?
- Does it travel farther?
Test 4: Pull the Car
Place the car at the bottom of the ramp. Use the string to pull it back up.
🔎 How is pulling different from pushing?
Think Like a Scientist
Ask kids:
- What happens when you push the car gently?
- What happens when you push it harder?
- Which force moved the car the farthest?
- How is pulling different from pushing?
- How do pushes and pulls change motion?
Encourage kids to make predictions, observe carefully, and compare results.
The Science Behind It
A force is a push or a pull that changes how an object moves.
Forces can:
- Start motion
- Stop motion
- Speed up motion
- Slow down motion
- Change direction
When you push the toy car, you apply a force. A stronger push often causes the car to move faster or travel farther. When you pull the car back up the ramp, you apply a pulling force that changes its position.
Scientists study forces and motion to understand how things move, from playground swings and bicycles to roller coasters and cars.
Real-Life Push and Pull Examples
Kids use pushes and pulls every day. See how many examples you can find around your home, classroom, or playground.
Push Examples
- Pushing a shopping cart
- Kicking a soccer ball
- Closing a door
- Pushing a toy car
- Sliding a book across a table
Pull Examples
- Pulling a wagon
- Opening a drawer
- Tugging a rope
- Pulling a backpack zipper
- Pulling a chair closer to a table
Ask:
- Is this a push or a pull?
- What made the object move?
- Can an object experience both a push and a pull?
Extend the Learning
Try these additional force and motion investigations.
- Compare Different Cars: Test different toy cars on the same ramp.
Do they travel the same distance?
- Test Push Strength: Compare a gentle push to a stronger push.
How does the distance change?
Explore Friction
Test the car on different surfaces.
- Carpet
- Tile
- Wood floor
- Cardboard
Which surface slows the car down the most?
👉 Learn more: Car Friction Experiment
Measure Motion
Use a ruler or measuring tape to measure how far the car travels after each push.
Free Push and Pull Experiment Printable
Make this activity even easier with a printable recording sheet and guiding questions.
👉 Grab the Push and Pull Ramp Experiment Printable with setup, guiding questions, and recording space.
More Force and Motion Activities for Kids
Ready to explore more ways to learn about how things move?
Try these hands-on force and motion activities:
👉 Explore more: Force and Motion Engineering Activities for Kids
FAQ
What is a push and pull for kids?
A push moves an object away, while a pull brings an object closer. Both are forces that can change motion.
What does this activity teach?
Kids learn how pushes and pulls affect motion and explore important force and motion concepts through hands-on investigation.
What age is this activity best for?
This activity works well for kindergarten through 2nd grade and can be adapted for preschool learners.
Is this a force and motion activity?
Yes! Kids investigate how forces affect movement by pushing and pulling a toy car on a ramp.
What are some examples of pushes and pulls?
Pushing a shopping cart, kicking a ball, pulling a wagon, and opening a drawer are all examples of pushes and pulls in everyday life.
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