Year 1

Forces and Movements

In our third Unit of Inquiry, How the World Works, Year 1 explored the essential role of forces and movement in our daily lives. The unit focused on the concepts of push, pull, twist/turn, gravity, and friction, each investigated through engaging and hands-on activities.

Push and Pull Investigations 

1. Pom Pom Blow
   Students explored different strengths and techniques for blowing a pom-pom through a straw.

2. Sock Race
   By racing with socks, students observed how different speeds involve pushing up and pulling down.

3. Kick Ball Challenge
   Students investigated how varying strengths impact the distance and movement of a kicked ball.

4. Toy Car Race
   This investigation examined how different levels of strength affect the speed and direction of toy cars.

5. Ball Investigation
   Students tested how to move balls in various directions using different amounts of force.

6. Kick, Roll, Throw Investigation
   By comparing these methods of moving a ball, students determined which was most effective.

7. Collision Investigation
   Students explored the effects of different strengths on collisions between objects.

Twist & Turn Investigations

1. Towel Twist Investigation
   Students tried to remove a given amount of water from a towel by wringing it. This activity not only demonstrated the force of twist but also allowed students to apply their understanding in a practical context.

2. Classroom Object Challenge
   Students participated in a series of challenges using everyday objects:

• Spin a Coin: Students tried to spin a coin and observe various spinning toys, learning about the effects of twist and motion.

• Pencil Sharpener Challenge: In a race against time, students sharpened five pencils, discovering how twisting affects the sharpness of the pencil.

• Nuts and Bolts: The students learned the concept of righty-tighty; lefty-loosey as they placed a variety of nuts onto bolts, reinforcing their understanding of twisting motions.

• Bottles and Jars: Students observed what happens as they open and close a variety of bottles and jars, gaining insights into how twisting can create tension and release.

Gravity Investigations

1. Gravity Falls (Painting)
   Students observed gravity in action as they painted, noticing how the paint always falls in the direction of the Earth, regardless of how they turned the paper. This engaging activity illustrated the omnipresent force of gravity in a creative way.

2. Paper Copter
   In this activity, students created and observed how a paper helicopter moves, providing a clear demonstration of gravity's role in motion and descent.

3. Ramp Observation
   Students observed gravity in action as they rolled objects down ramps of varying heights. This experiment allowed them to see first-hand how gravity influences speed and movement depending on the incline.

Friction Investigation

1. Toy Car Surface Observation
   In this hands-on activity, students observed friction in action by testing how different surfaces affect the movement of a toy car. They experiment on surfaces such as carpet, grass, sandpaper, and bubble wrap, noting how friction can slow down or speed up the car’s motion.

Forces Reflection 

After the investigations, students reflected on what they had learned about each force and considered how these forces impact real-life situations. This reflection process allowed them to demonstrate their understanding and consolidate their knowledge.

Forces and Movement Carnival Preparation

To culminate the semester, Year 1 hosted a Forces and Movement Carnival.  Year 1 students were empowered to consolidate their knowledge by participating in the Force and Movement Carnival. Students collaborated in groups to design carnival-style games that showcased their understanding of forces and movement. For this event to be successful students had to collaborate well with others.  Groups had several responsibilities. They needed to first agree on a force to be showcased. From there they chose a game that would demonstrate this force well. Being a carnival the preparation required a strong sense of design and creativity. Students built their game, made a poster, created step-by-step instructions, determined a prize structure and finally how each component would be decorated.

The entire GJS learning community was invited to enjoy and participate in these creative and interactive demonstrations, making it a memorable and educational event for all.

This unit not only deepened the students' understanding of forces and movement but also allowed them to apply their knowledge in fun, practical, and collaborative ways. Great job, Year 1!