Observing Different Types of Movement

Active learning works for this topic because students must physically interact with objects to see how shape affects movement. Watching living things move also connects abstract concepts to real-world examples they observe every day.

• Year 1
• Science
• 3 activities
• 15 min–45 min

Learning Objectives

1. Classify observed movements of objects and living things as sliding, rolling, spinning, or swinging.
2. Compare the movement of a ball when it is kicked versus when it is dropped, identifying the forces involved.
3. Construct a list of at least three objects that can exhibit multiple types of movement.
4. Describe how the shape of an object influences its type of movement, such as a wheel rolling.
5. Demonstrate different types of movement using their own bodies.

Stations Rotation

⏱ 45 min·Small Groups

Stations Rotation: The Motion Lab

Set up four stations: 1. Ramps for rolling/sliding, 2. Balls for bouncing, 3. Tops for spinning, 4. Hoops for swinging. Students rotate through, testing different objects and recording the type of movement on a checklist.

Prepare & details

Differentiate between sliding, rolling, and spinning movements.

Facilitation Tip: During Station Rotation: The Motion Lab, set clear time limits at each station so students stay focused on testing each object’s movement type.

Setup: Tables/desks arranged in 4-6 distinct stations around room

Materials: Station instruction cards, Different materials per station, Rotation timer

• Remember
• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Simulation Game

⏱ 20 min·Whole Class

Simulation Game: Animal Olympics

Students are challenged to move across the room like different Australian animals (slither like a snake, hop like a wallaby, scuttle like a crab). They then discuss which body parts helped them do that specific movement.

Prepare & details

Analyze how a ball moves when kicked versus when dropped.

Facilitation Tip: For Simulation: Animal Olympics, ask students to pause and predict how each animal’s body shape will affect its movement before running the simulation.

Setup: Flexible space for group stations

Materials: Role cards with goals/resources, Game currency or tokens, Round tracker

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Social Awareness
• Decision-Making

Think-Pair-Share

⏱ 15 min·Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: The Mystery Mover

Show an unusual object (like a cone or a jagged rock). In pairs, students predict if it will roll, slide, or bounce when pushed down a ramp. They test their prediction and explain why the shape mattered.

Prepare & details

Construct a list of objects that can move in multiple ways.

Facilitation Tip: During Think-Pair-Share: The Mystery Mover, circulate and listen for students using science vocabulary like ‘roll’ or ‘slide’ when describing movements.

Setup: Standard classroom seating; students turn to a neighbor

Materials: Discussion prompt (projected or printed), Optional: recording sheet for pairs

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Teaching This Topic

Teach this topic by starting with concrete objects before introducing abstract ideas. Avoid assuming students will automatically connect shape to movement; guide them with targeted questions during activities. Research shows young learners build understanding best when they test predictions with their own hands and discuss observations in small groups.

What to Expect

Successful learning looks like students correctly identifying and demonstrating at least two types of movement for an object during hands-on tasks. They should also explain how an object’s shape influences its movement after testing multiple examples.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

During Station Rotation: The Motion Lab, watch for students assuming heavier objects always move slower. If they do, have them race a heavy and light ball down the ramp side by side.

What to Teach Instead

After the race, ask the class to describe what they saw. Guide them to notice that both balls rolled at a similar speed, showing that weight is less important than shape and push for this movement type.

Common Misconception

During Station Rotation: The Motion Lab, watch for students thinking only objects with wheels or legs move. Redirect them to the ‘flowing’ and ‘slithering’ stations to test water, scarves, and a toy snake.

What to Teach Instead

Ask students to describe how these objects move without legs or wheels. Have them add these examples to their movement charts to expand their understanding.

Assessment Ideas

Quick Check

During Station Rotation: The Motion Lab, provide a collection of small objects. Ask students to pick up each object and demonstrate at least two types of movement, such as sliding a block or spinning a coin. Note which students can correctly identify and perform two or more movements for each object.

Discussion Prompt

After Simulation: Animal Olympics, show a video clip of a kangaroo hopping and a wombat waddling. Ask students to describe how these animals’ movements differ. Listen for language that identifies the movement type and the body shape that supports it.

Exit Ticket

After Think-Pair-Share: The Mystery Mover, give each student a card with a picture of a common object. Ask them to write two different ways that object can move and draw a small picture illustrating one of those movements. Collect cards to assess their ability to identify multiple movement types.

Extensions & Scaffolding

• Challenge students who finish early to design a new object that moves in a unique way, then test it with the class.
• For students who struggle, provide picture cards showing the four movement types to match with objects during Station Rotation.
• Deeper exploration: Ask students to research how engineers use movement types when designing playground equipment or sports gear.

Key Vocabulary

Sliding	Moving along a surface without turning or rolling. Think of a book sliding across a table.
Rolling	Moving by turning over and over, like a ball or a toy car on the floor.
Spinning	Turning around quickly in one place, like a top or a dancer.
Swinging	Moving back and forth in a curve, like a pendulum or a child on a swing set.