Investigation 1, Forces: Students explore phenomena that can affect the motion of masses— the forces of magnetism and gravity. Through their investigations, students find that both magnetism and gravity can pull, and magnetism can sometimes push as well. Both forces can make things move even when not in direct contact with another object. Students refine their investigations and their abilities to use science practices and collect data regarding their observations of the interaction between paper clips and magnets. They use those data to predict how far the magnetic field extends. Building on their experience with magnetic force, students explore other pushes and pulls, considering strength and direction. Students are introduced to the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces.
Investigation 2, Patterns of Motion: Students use a variety of systems as phenomena to explore patterns of motion. They design wheel-and-axle systems and roll the systems down ramps to observe the pattern of motion. They extend their rolling investigations to systems with big and little wheels and use the predictable curved rolling path to meet challenges. Students make twirly birds (flying spinners) and explore the variables involved in the interaction between twirlying systems, gravity, and air. Students design tops and explore the variables that results in the best spinning top.
Investigation 3, Engineering: Students tackle an engineering design challenge in incremental steps. They first design a cart that can roll “from here to there,” and then improve their designs to meet a specific distance challenge. Students continue with an investigation involving the phenomenon of gravity and explore how start position on a ramp affects the distance the cart travels. The final challenge incorporates students’ knowledge of magnetism into their cart design to meet new challenges. This investigation develops understanding of engineering design concepts and provides opportunities for students to engage in engineering practices.
Investigation 4, Mixtures: Students extend grade two experiences with matter by using tools to quantify data to develop evidence for the phenomenon of conservation of mass. They determine the mass of the materials prior to mixing and after mixing. In one mixture, salt dissolves (disappears), resulting in a solution. Students confirm that the mass of the solution is equal to the starting masses of the water and salt. They mix vinegar and baking soda and observe a bubbling reaction. Students determine that the mass of the ending mixtures is less than the mass of the original materials, which challenges students to infer that carbon dioxide gas, which escaped, has mass. The investigation and module ends with students designing and conducting a metric field day to creatively apply their understanding of standards of measurement.