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Pre-Kindergarten Science Units

Unit Plan 9 (PreK Science): Motion — Quarter Synthesis

PreK science unit where children retell and show how toys move using pushes, pulls, strength, and direction, then share motion models and evidence.

Dr. Michael Kester-Haynes

• 6 min read
Unit Plan 9 (PreK Science): Motion — Quarter Synthesis

Focus: Retell and show how toys move using pushes, pulls, strength, and direction, then share a simple motion model and “what we discovered” using classroom evidence.

Grade Level: PreK

Subject Area: Science (Physical Science • Inquiry/Skills)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 20–30 minutes per session (use two short blocks if needed)

I. Introduction

This quarter-synthesis unit helps children revisit everything they learned about motion through playful investigations and simple science talk. Children will demonstrate how objects move (roll, slide, drop) and explain what changed when they used a gentle vs. strong push or pull and when they changed direction. The week ends with a joyful Motion Museum where children share a quick “show and tell” of one moving object and the evidence they noticed.

Essential Questions

  • What happens when we push or pull an object?
  • How does a strong push/pull compare to a gentle push/pull?
  • How can we change an object’s direction?
  • What did we notice and discover about motion this quarter?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Children will be able to:

  1. Use words and gestures to describe how objects move (e.g., roll, slide, spin, stop) (PK-PS2-1).
  2. Show that objects can start moving with a push or pull using classroom materials (PK-PS2-1).
  3. Compare a gentle vs. strong push/pull and describe what changes (farther/shorter distance, faster/slower speed) (PK-PS2-2).
  4. Explore how pushing from different sides changes direction (PK-PS2-2).
  5. Create a simple motion model (drawing, ramp setup, or toy pathway) and explain it using “I noticed…” language (PK-PS2-1–2).

Standards Alignment — PreK (NGSS-based custom)

  • PK-PS2-1 — Explore how pushes and pulls make things move.
    • Example: Rolling balls down ramps and noticing, “It goes faster on the tall ramp.”
  • PK-PS2-2 — Notice that stronger pushes or pulls change motion.
    • Example: Pushing a toy car softly vs. hard and comparing distance.

Success Criteria — Student Language

  • I can show a push and a pull.
  • I can tell if my push was gentle or strong.
  • I can show how to change direction.
  • I can draw or build a simple motion model and say what I noticed.