2nd Grade Sub Plan

Mechanical Motion

Notes For Substitute:

2nd graders have been studying the 4 main types of mechanical motion: linear, rotary, oscillating, and reciprocating.

linear - motion in a single direction. Cannot change direction until acted on by another force.
rotary - spinning motion on an axis/axle
oscillating - arc shaped back and forth motion that stems from a fixed point. A pendulum is a perfect example.
reciprocating motion - linear back and forth motion that repeats

They have been working on projects that demonstrate these motion but building these out can be complex. Since I am out, we will pause this work until I get back. Instead, here's a fun way to review our 4 types of mechanical motion.

Each students will need:

Access to a supply bin. They are currently on the front table. I place 1 bin between two students.
Plain white paper. Photocopier paper works great!
A copy of this Character Worksheet. Do not give students the worksheet until instructed.
A copy of this Character Motion Worksheet. Do not give students the worksheet until instructed.

It is very possible, even desirable, that student will not complete all this work today. Please be sure they have their name on all their work and collect it for me.

To Students

We are going to create cartoon characters who will show our 4 types of mechanical motion. First we need an experts help on how to make a simple cartoon character. We'll watch this video below for inspiration. Feel free to use your paper and a pencil to try things out as they are demonstrated.

Create your own simple character. Be sure the character has eyes and a mouth. Base it on a simple shape. Don't worry about arms and legs.

This should be a character you can easily draw over and over again.

Once you've decided on a character, ask the teacher for a Character Worksheet. You will need to follow all the instructions on the worksheet. Draw in pencil first, then use Sharpie to outline your character, and then color your character in marker. The goal is to practice making the character the same each time with just small changes.

Substitute note:

Check in as students are working. Make sure they work in pencil, then Sharpie, then Marker. It's okay to encourage students to slow down and focus. Once about 1/2 the class is done this worksheet get the whole classes attention and explain that you are going to show a video about the next steps. Its okay if they are not yet ready to move on, but everyone should pay attention to video.

Now we will learn about how to show motion in a character.

Now take your character and show it performing our 4 types of mechanical motion. Each panel should have the character, motion lines or tracings, and a background that sets the scene in a place. They need to be done first in pencil, outlined in Sharpie, and then colored. Take your time and do good work.

Substitute Note:

Give students the Character Motion Worksheet. Keep circulating to be available as they are working. Please collect all work at the end of class and place on my desk.