Grade 3 · Unit 6: Forces and movement

Changing shape

Forces can squash, stretch, bend and twist things.

Forces change shape

Forces can change the shape of objects. You can squash, stretch, bend or twist things. Pushes squash; pulls stretch.

Shaping clay

Potters in Bangladesh shape soft clay into pots and bowls. They push the clay with their hands as it spins on a wheel. When the clay dries and is baked, it keeps its new shape.

Springing back

Some materials go back to their shape when the force stops. They are elastic. Rubber bands, springs and sponges are elastic. Play dough and clay are not elastic. They stay in their new shape.

Too much force

If you use too much force, some materials break. A pencil snaps if you bend it too far. An elastic band snaps if you stretch it too much.

What I learnt

• I know that forces can change the shape of objects.
• I know what elastic means.