NZ Curriculum · Year 1 Physics · Primary

Year 1 Physics Lesson Plan & Curriculum Map

The Physical World (physics) unit from our Year 1 New Zealand Curriculum science lesson plan: push and pull forces. Week-by-week lessons for 1, 2, 3 or 4 lessons a week, showing when each pace covers this unit; a dash means that pace is on a different science unit that week. For the full year, see the Year 1 Science lesson plan.

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Year 1 Physics learning map

Choose a term, then compare a lighter weekly plan with a more intensive schedule.

1 day/week · steady pace2–3 days/week · guided practice
May · Push and pull forces

Year 1 Physics — May Lesson Plan

New Zealand Curriculum · Physical World
Week1 Day/Week2 Day/Week3 Day/Week4 Day/Week
May 1st week
(Physics)
————
May 2nd week
(Physics)
————
May 3rd week
(Physics)
———What Is a Push? 1. What a push is
May 4th week
(Physics)
———What Is a Push? 1. Practice: finding 3 things you can push What Is a Pull? 1. What a pull is 2. Practice: finding 3 things you can pull Strength of a Push or Pull 1. A push or pull can be strong or gentle
June · Push and pull forces

Year 1 Physics — June Lesson Plan

New Zealand Curriculum · Physical World
Week1 Day/Week2 Day/Week3 Day/Week4 Day/Week
June 1st week
(Physics)
———Strength of a Push or Pull 1. Practice: using a strong push and a gentle push on the same object Direction of a Push or Pull 1. A push or pull can go in different directions 2. Practice: pushing or pulling an object in 3 different directions How Pushes & Pulls Change Motion 1. How a push or pull can start something moving
June 2nd week
(Physics)
———How Pushes & Pulls Change Motion 1. How a push or pull can stop something moving 2. How a push or pull can make something speed up or slow down How Pushes & Pulls Change Shape 1. How a push can change an object's shape 2. How a pull can change an object's shape
June 3rd week
(Physics)
———How Pushes & Pulls Change Shape 1. Practice: testing which everyday objects change shape when pushed or pulled Predicting What Will Happen 1. Predicting what will happen when you push an object a certain way 2. Predicting what will happen when you pull an object a certain way Designing a Push & Pull Activity 1. Planning a hands-on activity that uses pushes and pulls (e.g. a simple game or obstacle)
June 4th week
(Physics)
——What Is a Push? 1. What a push is 2. Practice: finding 3 things you can push What Is a Pull? 1. What a pull isDesigning a Push & Pull Activity 1. Thinking about what pushes and pulls the activity will need Trying Out Our Push & Pull Activity 1. Trying out the activity 2. Talking about which pushes and pulls worked, and which forces were strongest Term 3 Assessment & Consolidation 1. Revision workshop — pushes and pulls, strength and direction
July · Push and pull forces

Year 1 Physics — July Lesson Plan

New Zealand Curriculum · Physical World
Week1 Day/Week2 Day/Week3 Day/Week4 Day/Week
July 1st week
(Physics)
——What Is a Pull? 1. Practice: finding 3 things you can pull Strength of a Push or Pull 1. A push or pull can be strong or gentle 2. Practice: using a strong push and a gentle push on the same objectTerm 3 Assessment & Consolidation 1. Revision workshop — how forces change motion and shape 2. Term 3 assessment: push and pull forces topic test 3. Feedback session
July 2nd week
(Physics)
——Direction of a Push or Pull 1. A push or pull can go in different directions 2. Practice: pushing or pulling an object in 3 different directions How Pushes & Pulls Change Motion 1. How a push or pull can start something moving—
The learning framework

Anatomy of a focused lesson

Each session moves from a clear focus to guided practice and a quick check for understanding.

10 minutes

Wonder and question

Start with an everyday question about the week’s topic that links to what your child already knows.

25 minutes

Explore and investigate

Explain the idea with pictures and simple models, then observe, test or record a small investigation together.

10 minutes

Check for mastery

Finish with a short quiz or explain-it-back task that shows what is secure and what to revisit.

Student learning toolkit

Resources for Year 1 Physics

Concept lessons

Clear, visual lessons on each New Zealand Curriculum physics topic.

Practice activities

Short questions and checks matched to each week’s focus.

Science inquiry

Investigation, observation and recording skills built into each unit.

Progress notes

A clear record of what your child has mastered and what comes next.

Free first lesson

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