Description

All interactions between common objects arise from a few types of forces, primarily gravity and electromagnetism. Change of motion is the result of forces—usually multiple forces—acting on an object. Forces have a direction and a strength. Objects in contact exert forces on each other; however, forces acting between objects do not require that the objects be in contact. If forces on an object are unbalanced, the motion of the object will change (stop, start, go slower or faster, or change direction). Patterns of motion can be observed; when there is a regular pattern of motion, future motion can be predicted.

Student engagement with these ideas in the Motion Module is driven by several anchor phenomena. Students work with magnets and paper clips, wheel-and-axle systems, and paper twirlers. They use their knowledge of forces and motion to enter the engineering design process and refine their understanding. They investigate these phenomena:

• Anchor phenomenon 1—artwork falling from the fridge
• Anchor phenomenon 2—objects falling and scattering
• Anchor phenomenon 3—riding a skateboard down a hill

Students engage in science and engineering practices as they investigate phenomena and collect data to answer questions about the effects of magnetic force and the force of gravity on objects. Students explore the crosscutting concepts of patterns; cause and effect; and systems and system models as they define problems in order to develop solutions. Students reflect on their own use of science and engineering practices and find out how others use these practices in their careers.