How Can We Use Patterns To Predict Motion?
How Can We Use Patterns To Predict Motion?
How Can We Use Patterns to Predict Motion? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is designed to address a bundle of grade 3 physical science and engineering standards. In this module, students:
- Make observations of situations in which forces are applied to objects and identify cause-and-effect relationships
- Use fair tests to investigate the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces applied to objects
- Use patterns of motion to predict motion in similar situations and to predict future motion
- Investigate magnetic and static electric forces to consider how they could be used to separate trash by materials that can be recycled
- Investigate the effect of magnet placement on a steel swing to consider if magnets could be used to change the pattern of motion of a swing
Below are digital resources that support teaching of this module.
Family Letter
Before starting How Can We Use Patterns to Predict Motion?, share the Family Letter with students’ caregivers. Indicate how they should submit responses to the letter.
Download Family Letter PDF
Rope Pull Intro (8 sec)
The phenomenon driving Lessons 1 through 4. Five children pull on a rope in this video of one side of a tug-of-war game.
Download Rope Pull Intro Video
Download the Accessible Version of Rope Pull Intro Video
Download Rope Pull Video Transcript
Block Pull
This file is used to support students as they plan and conduct an investigation about the effect of balanced forces.
Download Block Pull PDF
Full Rope Pull (25 sec)
The continuation of the tug-of-war game shown in the Rope Pull Intro video. Students predict what will happen and then observe the end of the game.
Download Full Rope Pull Video
Download the Accessible Version of Full Rope Pull Video
Download the Full Rope Pull Video Transcript
Swing Set (26 sec)
The phenomenon driving Lessons 5 through 7: Three children swinging on a swing set.
Download Swing Set Video
Download the Accessible Version of Swing Set Video
Download the Swing Set Video Transcript
Patterns of Motion
This video shows several examples of back-and-forth, up-and-down, and circular patterns of motion.
Download Patterns of Motion Video
Download the Accessible Version of the Patterns of Motion Video
Download the Patterns of Motion Video Transcript
Swing Set Variables
This file is used to support students as they develop scientific questions about swing motion.
Download Swing Set Variables PDF
Swing Set Discussion
This file is used to support students as they relate a Swing Model they use in their investigation to the Swing Set video.
Download Swing Set Discussion PDF
Defining a Communications Problem
This is an activity sheet students use for the Defining a Communications Problem extension.
Download Defining a Communications Problem PDF
Model Trash
This file shows the Model Trash students will work with through Lesson 12.
Download Model Trash PDF
Magnetic Force Strength Test
The photos in this file illustrate how students will test magnetic force strength.
Download Magnetic Force Strength Test PDF
Solution Materials
This file shows the materials available to students for planning a solution to the trash-sorting problem.
Download Solution Materials PDF
Outdoor Playtime Problem
This file states the swing problem identified by Outdoor Playtime and their initial ideas about how to solve the problem.
Download Outdoor Playtime Problem PDF
Swing Solutions Discussion
This file provides prompts for group discussion about swing designs and how well the designs meet criteria and constraints.
Download Swing Solutions Discussion PDF
Kit Tips & Tricks