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 see how pushes and pulls change how objects move. This hands-on physics activity is perfect for kindergarten and early elementary learners and uses materials you already have at home or in the classroom.
What Is a Push and Pull?
A push moves an object away from something. A pull brings an object closer. Both are types of forces that can change how something moves.
This activity helps kids see how:
- Objects start and stop moving
- Speed changes with different forces
- Ramps affect motion
Examples of Push and Pull for Kids
Before starting the experiment, talk about real-life examples of pushes and pulls. This helps kids connect the activity to what they already know.
Examples of a push:
- Pushing a shopping cart
- Kicking a ball
- Closing a door
- Pushing a toy car across the floor
Examples of a pull:
- Pulling a wagon
- Opening a drawer
- Tugging on a rope
- Pulling a backpack zipper
Ask kids:
- Is this a push or a pull?
- What made the object move?
- Can something be both a push and a pull?
Supplies Needed
- Toy car
- Cardboard, board, or book (for ramp)
- Stack of books or blocks
- Small piece of string or yarn
- Tape
How To Set Up
- Create a ramp by placing one end of a board or cardboard on a stack of books or blocks (use what you have).
- Tape a small piece of string to the toy car so you can pull it back up the ramp.
- Make sure there is space at the bottom for the car to roll out.
How To Do the Experiment
- Place the car at the top of the ramp and let it go without pushing.
- Watch how it moves down the ramp.
- Now gently push the car. What happens?
- Try pushing the car harder. What changes?
- Place the car at the bottom and pull it back up using the string.
- Change the height of the ramp by adding more books. Test again.
The Science Behind It
Field: Physics—Force and Motion
Grades: K–2
Concepts Explored: Pushes and pulls are forces; forces change motion; gravity pulls objects downward; steeper ramps increase speed; stronger pushes create faster movement.
A force is something that can change how an object moves. When you push or pull an object, you are applying a force. Forces can make objects move, stop, speed up, slow down, or change direction.
When you place a car on a ramp, gravity pulls it downward. If the ramp is steeper, gravity pulls the car more strongly, so it moves faster. When you push the car, you add more force, which also increases speed.
Questions to Ask Kids (NGSS-Aligned)
- What happens when you push the car gently?
- What happens when you push it harder?
- How does the ramp change how the car moves?
- What happens when you pull the car back up?
- How do pushes and pulls change motion?
Try This Too (Extension Ideas)
Make this activity even more engaging with a few simple changes:
- Use different objects (ball, block, marble)
- Test different surfaces (carpet vs. smooth floor)
- Compare steep ramps vs. gentle ramps
- Measure how far the car travels
- Time how fast the car reaches the bottom
Make It a Science Project
Turn this into a simple science fair project:
- Ask a question: Does a steeper ramp make a car go faster?
- Make a prediction: What do you think will happen?
- Test: Change one thing at a time (ramp height or push strength)
- Record results: Draw or write what happens
- Conclusion: What did you learn about force and motion?
Free Printable Ramp Experiment
Make this activity even easier with a printable version!
👉 Grab the Push and Pull Ramp Experiment Printable with setup, guiding questions, and recording space.
Real-Life Examples of Push and Pull
Help kids connect what they learned to everyday life:
- Pushing a shopping cart
- Pulling a wagon
- Sliding down a playground slide
- Riding a bike down a hill
More Force and Motion Activities for Kids
Ready to explore more ways to learn about how things move? These simple, hands-on activities help kids build a deeper understanding of force and motion through play and experimentation.
👉 Start with our Force and Motion Activities for Kids to see a full collection of experiments, challenges, and printables.
Try These Next:
- Balloon rocket experiment (explore push and pull forces)
- LEGO zip line (investigate motion and gravity)
- Simple machine projects (connect ramps to real-world tools)
- Ramp building challenges (test height, speed, and distance)
👉 Looking for activities by age? Visit our Kindergarten Science Activities for more easy, hands-on ideas.
FAQ
What is a push and pull for kids?
A push moves something away, and a pull brings something closer. Both are forces that change motion.
Why does the car move faster on a steeper ramp?
A steeper ramp increases the pull of gravity, making the car move faster.
What age is this activity best for?
This activity is perfect for kindergarten through early elementary students.
