Force and motion, friction, and simple machines are areas in Science where it is crucial to have some hands-on learning for your students. These activity sets allow your students to experiment freely with the materials and take their own notes on what science they see occurring. My favorite thing about the following activities is how much is included in each one! These could easily be used over several days worth of learning. I use these in a station format in my classroom. Be sure to download the Free Force & Motion Worksheet Printable here!
I set up a total of four station areas in my room. Then, I divide up my students into four groups and they rotate through each station. I give them about 20-30 minutes at a time at each activity. They travel with their science notebook and these recording sheets they have previously glued in. Download this free sheet below the supply list on the right!
The first station area is set up with the STEM Force and Motion Activity Set. I actually only put a few of the activity cards out at a time. This allows me to choose which ones I want my students to work on during that science time. My students then work with their group on the activity cards to complete the activities. The cards are fantastic because they help guide them on what to do, but they still allow for student independence.
The recording sheet is important also so that I know they are making the connections between the activity they are working on and force and motion.
At the next station area I set out the activity cards from the Simple Machines Activity Set. Again, I choose which ones I want them to be working on that day or week to compliment my lessons on simple machines. They work together to complete the other recording sheet specifically on simple machines. I usually have them explore 2-3 simple machines in one station rotation. Then, I can use the rest of the activity cards the next time we do these rotations.
The third station rotation is so fun for them! They get to make their own catapult! These DIY craft stick catapult kits come individually packaged which is perfect so each student can grab a kit by themselves once they get to that station. The students follow the directions to create their own catapult.
I then have them draw and label the force and direction of the motion in their science notebook. They love being able to take these home at the end of our science unit. You can make it even more fun by having a catapult "fight" in your classroom at the end of the day!
The last rotation is a class favorite for sure! This motion and friction activity is great as a whole group teaching tool and a hands-on activity station for students. Students set up two different ramps at 3 possible heights. They then choose different materials to attach to the ramps. This is so great to help students grasp the concept of friction. They can easily see which heights and materials cause the cars to move faster or slower down the ramps. I have my students draw and label their different choices. They then write 2-3 sentences explaining the results they found.
These activities provide a perfect way for my students to have hands-on learning experiences for these science topics! Download the Free Force & Motion Worksheet Printable here!
