Scoil Maelruain Junior National School, Tallaght, Dublin 24

๐Ÿ”ฌ Science Week โ€“ Day 3: Push, Pull & Friction Stations ๐Ÿ’จ๐Ÿงฑ๐Ÿš—

12th Nov 2025
๐Ÿ”ฌ Science Week โ€“ Day 3: Push, Pull & Friction Stations ๐Ÿ’จ๐Ÿงฑ๐Ÿš—

During Science Week, the children explored different types of forces through a series of hands-on learning stations. We learned about push and pull forces, friction, and how forces can be both visible and invisible.

The children rotated through several activity stations:

๐Ÿš— Ramps and Cars
Using wooden ramps of different heights and surfaces, the children investigated how friction affects movement and speed. They observed which surfaces were smooth, bumpy, or slowed the cars down.

๐Ÿงต Walking Turtle – Friction on a String
Using a wool thread and a paper turtle, the children explored how friction helps objects move. By pulling the string, they watched the turtle “walk” upwards and observed how the force changed its movement.

๐Ÿงบ Push and Pull Investigation
Using a spring scale (Newton meter), the children measured the force needed to pull different classroom objects, including toys, chairs, and tables. They compared which objects were heavier, lighter, easier or more difficult to move.

๐Ÿงฑ Three Little Pigs – Wind Force Station
The children built small “houses” using different materials and then tested how strong they were using a balloon blower to represent wind force. They observed which structures stayed standing and which ones collapsed.

Together, we discussed:

  • Why did some structures fall more easily than others

  • What makes a strong and stable structure

  • How can we improve and rebuild designs

The children worked collaboratively to redesign and strengthen their structures, demonstrating excellent problem-solving, prediction, and scientific thinking.

It was a fantastic day of STEM investigation, teamwork, and discovery, with the children actively exploring how forces affect the world around us. ๐ŸŒŸ