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How could you win a tug-of-war against a bunch of adults?
Invisible Forces Unit | Lesson 1 of 5
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How could you win a tug-of-war against a bunch of adults?

Invisible Forces Unit | Lesson 1 of 5
Lesson narration:
English Spanish
Scroll for prep
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DISCUSS: Tug of War

Can you think of any way for your team to win? Is there something you could do to make it harder for the adults’ team to pull?

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DISCUSS:

Is there some way to stop the adults from being able to push against the ground?

With any ideas you come up with, explain why you think that idea might work.

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Practice: Think about each action below. For each one, ask yourself: Is it a push or a pull? (Answers on next slide.)

squeeze
pinch
tug
smack
drag
lift


Can you come up with any other verbs where there's either a pull or a push?

squeeze = push
pinch = push
tug = pull
smack = push
drag = pull
lift = It depends how you lift. You could push up on a thing to lift it, or you could pull on it too.
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DISCUSS:

Do you have any ideas for how you could get the watermelon to burst using rubber bands?

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SPECIAL NOTE TO TEACHERS

The next slide features an Activity Video where students learn how to make "Hopper Poppers."

Constructing the hopper takes students about 20-25 minutes. Practicing using their hopper and then completing the "High Hop Score Card" takes an additional 20 minutes.

If your time is limited, there is a natural stopping point after Step 6. Have students write their names on materials, then collect them and resume the activity next science class.

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Slide Image
Slide Image

pull


1 of 5

to move an object toward you
Slide Image

push


2 of 5

to move an object away from you
Slide Image

force


3 of 5

a push or a pull
Slide Image

balanced forces


4 of 5

two equal forces that push or pull in opposite directions so that the object doesn't move

unbalanced forces


5 of 5

two forces that push and pull in opposite directions where one force is greater than the other so that the object moves
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Image & Video Credits

Mystery Science respects the intellectual property rights of the owners of visual assets. We make every effort to use images and videos under appropriate licenses from the owner or by reaching out to the owner to get explicit permission. If you are the owner of a visual and believe we are using it without permission, please contact us—we will reply promptly and make things right.

Exploration
watermelon by Mike Mozart , used under CC BY
kids playing tug-of-war by Image used under license from Shutterstock.com: Luis Louro
tug of war European championship by Tug of War Association
Olympic weightlifter by Simon Q
Soldiers playing tug of war by SFC Victor Aguirre
Marine playing a tug of war by Cpl. Matthew Callahan
teacher by Image used under license from Shutterstock.com: wavebreakmedia
Student teacher Tug-O-War by pittcaleb
roller skating elephant by Carol Buckley
push by Mark Doliner , used under CC BY
dough stretching by Joe Hall , used under CC BY
roller skates by Image used under license from Shutterstock.com: Julenochek
dog tug o' war by kellinahandbasket , used under CC BY
pile of watermelons by Mike Mozart , used under CC BY
half watermelon by The Chic Life
slow motion watermelon video by The Slow Mo Guys , used under CC BY
Credits

Featured Reviews

“The students were accurately using the terms "force", "push" and "pull" and they continued through their day--I love the way the lessons stay with kids and inform their understanding of scientific concepts. ”
· Shari · Teacher
“The video clips were terrific to get students thinking, and the time to pause and come up with ideas was helpful. The activity was a huge hit with my students and they were easily able to tell how the force worked and how they could change the force to make it go higher.”
· Kathryn · Teacher
“The kids had a blast and learned a lot. I loved the opportunity for discourse! I took pictures and videos to share with the parents on our class site. I loved how user friendly this was for the teacher too!”
· Jennifer · Teacher
“The video showing how many rubber bands it took to burst the watermelon was the best part of this lesson. The students had great conversation and were also intrigued by the reaction of the rubber bands, as the watermelon burst open. ”
· Theresa · Teacher
“The Hopper Poppers were a great hit. Doug's questions sparked their inner-scientist and the lesson went well. They had lots of good ideas and strategies to make then jump higher. We all had lots of fun. Thanks Mystery Science. ”
· Karen · Admin
“The students wanted to play our own game of tug of war after watching the lesson! And they LOVED it! The conversations they had around how we could make the game easier or more difficult were awesome. Thanks for the fun lesson!”
· Kristen · Teacher
“The best part was the student engagement. I also loved (as a teacher) having the step by step instruction. It really helped me fit Science into my other reading/math times and integrate it easier because of it's simple layout and great instructional videos. Saved me time!”
· Sarah · Teacher
“My students really understand about pushes and pulls equaling force. They absolutely loved launching their hopper poppers and were so enthusiastic about ideas to improve them. ”
· · Teacher
“We really enjoyed making the hopper activity and launching them. This was super-easy to do with a cereal box, a paper cutter, pencil, and ruler-- materials readily on hand at home. We used a paper cutter, rather than scissors, to make sure that we cut along the precise measurements to make our hoppers. Our favorite part was the tug-of-war demonstration and watching the extra tug-of-war video at the end. Not only were these fun, but Mystery Science did a fabulous job of explaining the physics behind winning tug-of-war. Great job! ”
· Karen · Homeschooler
“This lesson went great! Instruction was heavily student driven! The students were extremely engaged and begging to do science all day! They made awesome observations and connections!”
· Katie · Teacher
“they loved the hoppers! Several students went home and made different sizes and used different rubber band sizes, variables to see which hopper hopped the highest. They did a demonstration for the class sharing the findings. Mystery Science is the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
· Jean · Teacher
“I thought it would be difficult to use, but everything went so smoothly. ”
· Cinda · Teacher
“The videos and explanations really show my third graders the science behind the activity. They really understand it!”
· Luanne · Teacher
“From a teaching point of view, this lesson had all the parts you would expect in the best you could prepare. The students loved the hands on part and could not wait to take home the hopper and share with family! I look forward to presenting another.”
· Yvonne · Teacher
Lesson narration:
English Spanish

Grade 3

Forces, Motion, & Magnets

Balanced & Unbalanced Forces

3-PS2-1

Activity Prep

Print Prep
In this lesson, students will see that by learning to think about pushes and pulls — forces — they can accomplish extraordinary things! In the activity, Hopper Popper, students make a folded piece of cardboard jump high in the air, propelled by the pulling force of a rubber band. They discuss the forces involved in making this “Hopper Popper” jump.
Preview activity

I have a Mystery Pack

High Hop Scorecard worksheet 30 copies
Hopper Popper Teacher Tips worksheet 1 copy
Launch Pad printout Print 30 copies
Pen
30 pens
Rulers
30 rulers
Scissors
30 pairs
Chipboard
Recycled cereal boxes also work.
Details
4 square feet
Rubber Bands (#16)
60 bands
Prep Instructions

In this activity, each student will make their own Hopper Popper, but we suggest they work in pairs when they launch their poppers. Homeschool students can work on their own, but may need a partner to help when it comes time to launch their Hopper Popper. Some teachers choose to have students wear safety glasses for this activity since Hopper poppers can hop high!

Prepare the Chipboard

If you want your students to practice measuring, you can have them cut 3” x 6” rectangles from chipboard before you begin this lesson. If you don’t have time for students to measure and cut rectangles, we recommend you cut the chipboard into 3” x 6” rectangles before class. It doesn’t take long if you use a paper cutter.

Supplies for Open-Ended Exploration (Optional)

At the end of the activity, we suggest that students change one variable to see how this affects their Hopper Popper. For this open-ended exploration, you can supply students with extra chipboard, extra rubber bands of different sizes, or extra rubber bands of different thicknesses. The Teacher Tips printout will help you guide students during this open-ended exploration.

Exploration

20 mins

Hands-On Activity

45 mins

Grade 3

Forces, Motion, & Magnets

Balanced & Unbalanced Forces

3-PS2-1

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Credits
 
Forces Lesson 1: How could you win a tug-of-war against a bunch of adults?

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