Bending and stretching — Physical education, 4–6 years
Some materials change shape when we bend, pull or squeeze them, while others resist or break.
Idea: materials can change shape
A rubber band can stretch, a pipe cleaner can bend and a sponge can be squeezed. Some materials return to their old shape, while others keep the new shape or may break if the change is too large.
Why shape-changing matters
People needed materials that could fit, hold, protect or move in useful ways. They learned by trying what happened when things were bent, pulled or squeezed, then chose wood, cloth, rubber or metal for different jobs.
Example: a rubber band
Measure a rubber band before you pull it: it is 5 centimetres long. Pull gently until it measures 7 centimetres, then let go; it becomes about 5 centimetres again because the rubber returns to its shape.
Trap: bending is not always reversible
It is easy to expect every object to spring back after bending, because a rubber band does. That idea is reasonable, but paper, wire or a plastic spoon may keep the bend, crack or snap when pulled too far.
Use: clothes and tools
Stretchy fabric helps socks and clothes fit different bodies. Bendable wire holds a shape in a model, while a strong metal tool is chosen when it must not bend during use.
Keep exploring
Other languages
Loading MyLeoNes™…