We are continuing our science unit on forces and motion by exploring pushes and pulls.  Our most recent lesson was focused on the different amounts of force needed to push or pull an object and circumstances that change the amount of force necessary.  We explored this concept a bit inside with boxes containing varying amounts of weight, and then we decided to explore outside with sleds.  Is it harder to pull one child or more than one child on a sled?  Our snowstorm lent itself beautifully to this topic with a new question- is it harder to pull someone over a small layer of snow or through the deep snow?  Having spent lots of time with sleds most children were able to make accurate predictions, but is was fun to test the questions.  We also had fun experimenting with pulling ourselves up the hill with a rope.  Some children spent lots of time devising a way to get a person in a sled up the hill.  With a little adult help and a person pushing we found a successful system.