Observing objects in motion

Before coming to a definition of what force, motion, gravity, friction and other similar terms meant, we observed how things moved in daily life.  Every day we all experience movement.  We might know how a toy car moves on the carpet, but can it be explained why it moves the way it does?  

I started by showing the children a toy car and a small puff ball.  I asked them to try to move the objects without touching them.  They mostly got the items to move by blowing and tilting the tables.  The higher they tilted, the more the object moved.  The harder they blew, the more likely the object was to move.  By doing this, the children demonstrated the concepts of friction, gravity, and force without knowing the definition officially.

They then were asked to drop 4 items to observe their path to the floor.

A paper helicopter, a tissue, a piece of paper, and a ball.

The children were working with concepts they couldn't put a name to yet.  As a class I gave them a definition.

Force:  a push or a pull on an object

Gravity:  a force that pulls objects toward earth

Friction:  when two objects rub and resist motion

The children had a name for the concepts.  From now on, we use these terms daily while talking about science or during teachable moments.  "Why is your coat moving when the wind blows?  If you lean in your chair, friction might not be strong enough to keep you there and gravity will take over!"  I asked the children to take a look at their car tires to see the bumps.  Without friction, it would be a lot more dangerous to drive!

Some discussions to have at home:  What would it be like to live in a world without gravity?  Friction?

Here are some relevant videos to help drive in the concepts:

Billy Nye friction

How to wash your hands in space

Anti-gravity music video

What is force and motion?

I asked this question to the children one at a time to get their thoughts.  I talked about prior knowledge and assured the children I would not correct their thinking.  I would not tell anyone they were wrong.  I wrote down their ideas and told them we would talk about the ideas once in a while once we learned new things.

"motion is fast and slow"
"force is like a magnet"
"motion is when you move"
"force is hiding from someone"
"you put motion on your hands"

Up next:  What do force and motion actually mean?

Experiments!

The time finally came to do the experiments!  First the children made predictions of what they thought would happen once the two substances were combined.  The general consensus was it would make the white blue, the blue white, and it would feel gooey.

I spilled the beans and told everyone what was in the jars.  Vinegar and baking soda!  I added the blue color for effect...

We gathered together in groups to examine the results more easily.  I poured the baking soda in first, added the vinegar, and BAM!  Well, not exactly 'bam,' but that was the type of reaction I got.  It was not what anyone predicted!