How Can We Use Patterns To Predict Motion?
How Can We Use Patterns To Predict Motion?
This module is currently being field tested and is not available for purchase.
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 into 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.
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.
Block Pull
This file is used to support students as they plan and conduct an investigation about the effect of balanced forces.
Full Rope Pull (25 sec)
The continuation of the tug-of-war game in Rope Pull Intro. Students predict what will happen and then observe the end of the game.
Swing Set (26 sec)
The phenomenon driving Lessons 5 through 7. Three children swinging on a swing set.
Patterns of Motion
This video shows several examples of back-and-forth, up-and-down, and circular patterns of motion.
Swing Set Variables
This file is used to support students as they develop scientific questions about swing motion.
Swing Set Positions
This file is used to support students as they relate a Swing Model they use in their investigation to the Swing Set video.
Magnetic Force Strength Test
The photos in this file illustrate how students will test magnetic force strength.
Solution Materials
This file shows the materials available to students for planning a solution to the trash-sorting problem.
Outdoor Playtime Problem
This file states the swing problem identified by Outdoor Playtime and their initial ideas about how to solve the problem. Students will refer to this file through Lesson 15.
Kit Tips & Tricks