How Can We Predict Patterns of Motion?
How Can We Predict Patterns of Motion? is part of Smithsonian Science for the Classroom, a brand-new curriculum series by the Smithsonian Science Education Center. It is aligned to a group of grade 3 standards. It has a focus on physical science with a secondary focus on engineering. In this module, students:
- Ask questions about what causes objects to move
- Predict patterns of motion of a pendulum
- Investigate forces that can act at a distance
- Investigate the properties of permanent magnets and electromagnets
- Design a solution to a problem that can be solved using a magnet
- Ask questions about and investigate how magnets affect a steel pendulum’s motion
Below are digital resources that support teaching of this module.
The Playground
This video allows students to observe the motion of playground equipment in use.
Download The Playground Video
Download the Accessible Version of The Playground Video
Download The Playground Video Transcript
Drawing Force Diagrams
This file provides general directions for creating force diagrams.
Download the Drawing Force Diagrams PDF
Tug-of-War
This video shows a short tug-of-war game.
Download the Tug-of-War Video
Download the Accessible Version of the Tug-of-War Video
Download the Tug-of-War Video Transcript
Tug-of-War Board
This is an image of the tug-of-war board that students will create and use.
Download the Tug-of-War Board PDF
Tug-of-War Card
This is a sample Tug-of-War card for the investigation.
Download the Tug-of-War Card PDF
Patterns of Motion
This video shows examples of back-and-forth and circular patterns of motion.
Download the Patterns of Motion Video
Download the Accessible Version of the Patterns of Motion Video
Download the Patterns of Motion Video Transcript
Pushing a Swing
This video shows an adult pushing a child on a tire swing.
Download the Pushing a Swing Video
Download the Accessible Version of the Pushing a Swing Video
Download the Pushing a Swing Video Transcript
Pendulum Clock
This video shows the repeating pattern of motion of a clock's pendulum.
Download the Pendulum Clock Video
Download the Accessible Version of the Pendulum Clock Video
Download the Pendulum Clock Video Transcript
Crazy Compass
This video shows a compass needle spinning around.
Download the Crazy Compass Video
Download the Accessible Version of the Crazy Compass Video
Download the Crazy Compass Video Transcript
Magnetic Force Strength Test
The photos in this file illustrate how students will test magnet strength at distance.
Download the Magnetic Force Strength Test File
Junkyard Magnet
This video shows a magnetic trash-sorting device in use.
Download the Junkyard Magnet Video
Download the Accessible Version of the Junkyard Magnet Video
Download the Junkyard Magnet Video Transcript
Dynamic Duo Swing Investigation
This file provides the basis for the two possible investigation paths.
Download the Dynamic Duo Swing Investigation PDF
Comic Strip Template
This website provides a template for creating comic strip books. Scroll down to the bottom of the site to access the template.
https://www.teachingideas.co.uk/art/comic-strip-templates
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