Stick facts for kids

A stick is a long, thin piece of wood. It usually comes from a tree branch that has lost its leaves. Sticks are found all over the world and have been used by people for many different things throughout history.

What is a Stick?

A stick is simply a part of a tree, often a branch, that has broken off or been cut. They come in many sizes, from small twigs to large, sturdy poles. Sticks are strong but also light, which makes them useful for many tasks.

Sticks We Use Every Day

Many objects we use are called "sticks" because of their shape.

Tools and Aids

• Chopsticks: These are two small sticks used as eating utensils, especially in many Asian cultures.
• Walking stick: A stick used to help people walk, especially on uneven ground or if they need extra support.
• Pointing stick: A long, thin stick used to point at things, like on a map or a whiteboard.
• Fire stick: A stick used in traditional methods to start a fire by rubbing it against another piece of wood.

Sports and Games

• Hockey stick: A special stick with a curved end used to hit a puck or ball in sports like ice hockey or field hockey.
• Lacrosse stick: A stick with a net at the end, used to catch, carry, and throw a ball in lacrosse.
• Polo stick: A long stick with a mallet head, used by players on horseback to hit a ball in polo.
• Pogo stick: A toy with a spring that lets you bounce up and down while standing on it.
• Poohsticks: A simple game played with sticks dropped into a river from one side and watched as they float under a bridge to the other.

Technology and Storage

• Joystick: A control stick used to play computer games or control machines. You move it to steer characters or vehicles on screen.
• Memory stick: This is another name for a USB flash drive. It's a small device that stores digital information, like photos, music, or documents.
• Stick shift: In some cars, this is the gear lever you move by hand to change gears. It's also called a manual transmission.

Other Meanings of "Stick"

The word "stick" can also refer to other things or ideas.

• Stick (unit): In the past, "stick" was a small unit of length, about 5 centimeters (2 inches).
• Silver Stick and Gold Stick: These are special titles given to people who have important ceremonial roles, often in royal courts. The names come from the special sticks they carry.

Related Pages

• Stick insect: An insect that looks very much like a twig or stick, helping it to hide from predators.
• Stick figure: A simple drawing of a person or animal made with lines for the body and limbs.

See also

In Spanish: Stick para niños