Unit Plan 4 (Grade 3 Science): Patterns of Motion
Predict motion by observing patterns as students measure how objects move, identify repeating motion, and use data to explain and forecast future motion.
Focus: Observe, describe, and record patterns of motion to predict how objects will move in the future.
Grade Level: 3
Subject Area: Science (Physical Science • Inquiry/Engineering)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students zoom in on how objects move over time and how we can use patterns to predict what they’ll do next. Building on their work with forces and balanced/unbalanced pushes and pulls, students watch cars, balls, and simple classroom objects roll, spin, swing, and repeat. They collect data in tables, look for repeating motion, and explain how patterns help scientists and engineers plan and design systems that rely on motion.
Essential Questions
- How can we describe an object’s motion using words, drawings, and measurements?
- What does it mean for motion to show a pattern, and how can we spot those patterns?
- How can patterns in motion help us predict what an object will do next?
- How do scientists and engineers use motion patterns when they design rides, machines, and games?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Observe and describe motion using position, direction, and speed words (forward, back, faster, slower, straight, curved, circular).
- Record motion observations in data tables and simple graphs, noting when motion repeats or changes in a regular way.
- Identify patterns in motion (e.g., back-and-forth swings, repeating loops, steady rolling) and explain how those patterns can be used to predict future motion.
- Plan and carry out a simple motion investigation where they change one factor (e.g., ramp height) and observe resulting motion patterns.
- Create a short “Predict the Motion” explanation or mini-poster that uses evidence from data to predict what an object will do next.
Standards Alignment — 3rd Grade (NGSS-Aligned)
- 3-PS2-2 — Make observations or measurements of an object’s motion to provide evidence that a pattern can be used to predict future motion.
- Example: Track how far a toy car rolls from the same ramp height several times, then predict what will happen on the next trial.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can describe how an object moves using words like straight, curved, faster, slower, back-and-forth.
- I can record motion in a table or simple graph and see if anything repeats.
- I can point out a pattern in motion and use it to predict what will happen next.
- I can plan and do a simple motion test where I change one thing and watch what happens.
- I can make a clear explanation or poster that uses my data to predict an object’s future motion.