Unit Title: Pushes and Pulls in Motion

NGSS Standards: K.P.2.a: Identify different types of forces (e.g., pushes and pulls) K.P.2.b: Describe how forces can change an object’s speed or direction K.E.1.a: Ask questions about why things occur and make predictions K.E.1.b: Model designs to match functional requirements

Unit Overview: This unit will provide kindergarteners with the opportunity to explore how pushing and pulling affect objects in motion. Through modeling, questioning, and predicting, students will discover the relationship between force, speed, and direction. With the use of different materials and hands-on activities, students will observe what happens when an object is pushed or pulled and recognize how to apply direction and speed to an object.

Objectives: By the end of the unit, students will: -Identify different types of forces such as pushing and pulling -Describe how pushing and pulling can change an object’s speed or direction -Ask questions about why forces have an effect on objects -Model designs to match changes in speed achieved from pushing and pulling

Instructional Activities: -Explore the effects of pushing and pulling on an object by using a ramp and toy cars -Experiment with pushing and pulling different materials in different directions to observe the effects -Predict what will happen when an object is pushed or pulled -Design and construct creative models that demonstrate the effects of pushing and pulling -Create an indoor obstacle course to practice pushing and pulling with various objects -Conduct an experiment to measure how the length of a rope affects what kind of force is needed to pull it

Assessment: -Performance-Based Task: Students will be asked to design and construct a model car that can travel at different speeds when it is pushed or pulled. -Rubric-based Assessment: Students will be assessed on how well they can identify different types of forces, describe how pushing and pulling affects speed and direction, and ask questions about why pushing and pulling affect objects. -Simulation-based Assessment: Students will be asked to participate in a simulation activity in which a block and a ramp are used to explore the effects of pushing and pulling and the relationship between speed and forces.

Extensions: -Explore the effects of pushing and pulling on other objects such as balls, blocks, and rubber bands -Research real-world examples of pushing and pulling and create a presentation to share with the class -Compare the effects of friction on different surfaces and discuss how pushing and pulling may be affected -Design a model to demonstrate how pushing and pulling can be used to achieve a goal, such as building a marble maze