Curriculum

How Can We Predict Patterns of Motion?

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.

Lesson 1: Playground Science

The Playground
Download Video
This video allows students to observe the motion of playground equipment in use.

Lesson 2: Play Ball!

Drawing Force Diagrams
Download PDF
This file provides general directions for creating force diagrams. 

Lesson 3: Tug-of-War

Tug-of-War
Download Video
This video shows a short tug-of-war game.

Tug-of-War Board
Download PDF
This is an image of the tug-of-war board that students will create and use.

Tug-of-War Card
Download PDF
This is a sample Tug-of-War card for the investigation

Lesson 4: Around and Around, Back and Forth

Patterns of Motion
Download Video
This video shows  examples of back-and-forth and circular patterns of motion.

A table with two columns. The left column says Video clip name, metronome, record player, trampoline, stopwatch, toy cars on track, jump rope, bells. The right column says start time, 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.29, 0.39. 0.54, 1.0.

Lesson 5: Pendulum Swings

Pushing a Swing
Download Video
This video shows an adult pushing a child on a tire swing.

Lesson 6: Tick Tock

Pendulum Clock
Download Video
This video shows the repeating pattern of motion of a clock's pendulum. 

Lesson 9: Magnet vs. Magnet

Crazy Compass
Download Video
This video shows a compass needle spinning around.

Magnetic Force Strength Test
Download File
The photos in this file illustrate how students will test magnet strength at distance.

Lesson 11: Trash Matters

Junkyard Magnet
Download Video
This video shows a magnetic trash-sorting device in use.

Lesson 13: The Dynamic Duo Swing Ride Part 1

Dynamic Duo Swing Investigation
Download PDF
This file provides the basis for the two possible investigation paths.

Lesson 14: The Dynamic Duo Swing Ride Part 2

Comic Strip Template
https://www.teachingideas.co.uk/art/comic-strip-templates
This website provides a template for creating comic strip books. Scroll down to the bottom of the site to access the template.

Kit Tips & Tricks