Pushes, Pulls and Gravity Worksheets — KS2
Forces are at the heart of the KS2 science curriculum, introduced in Year 3 and developed further in Year 5. Children learn to identify contact forces (pushes, pulls, friction, air resistance) and non-contact forces (gravity, magnetism), observe their effects, and begin to quantify them using Newtons. Our worksheets on pushes, pulls, and gravity develop both the factual knowledge and working scientifically skills required by the curriculum.
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Key Skills Covered
Forces in the KS2 Curriculum
In Year 3, pupils learn that forces are pushes or pulls, that magnets attract certain metals and repel each other, and that some surfaces produce more friction than others. In Year 5, they learn that gravity is a non-contact force pulling objects towards Earth, that air resistance and water resistance oppose motion, and that levers, pulleys, and gears can change the effect of a force. Our worksheets are carefully mapped to both year groups.
Working Scientifically with Forces
Science worksheets on forces should develop more than factual recall. Our worksheets include planning simple fair tests (e.g. testing which surface has more friction), recording results in tables, drawing conclusions, and explaining results using scientific vocabulary. These "working scientifically" skills are assessed throughout KS2 and form the basis of the experimental work expected at KS3 and GCSE.
Sample Questions
Name two contact forces and one non-contact force.
Show answer
Contact: friction, air resistance (or push/pull). Non-contact: gravity (or magnetism).
A ball is dropped from a height. What force pulls it towards the ground?
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Gravity
Why does a smooth floor make it easier to slide an object than a rough floor?
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Smooth surfaces produce less friction, so less force is needed to move the object.
Predict: would a parachute fall faster or slower without its canopy? Explain why.
Show answer
Faster — the canopy increases air resistance, which slows the parachute down.
Which items would a magnet attract? (plastic ruler, iron nail, copper coin, steel paper clip)
Show answer
Iron nail and steel paper clip
More Forces Resources for Key Stage 2
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