Force and Motion Game: A First Grade Adventure
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design a fun and fair game using pushes and pulls to move objects, and explain the rules clearly so everyone can play?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How do forces make things move or stop?
- What happens when you push or pull something harder?
- Can you measure how strong a push or pull is?
- How does the size of an object affect how it moves?
- What are some ways to describe the movement of an object?
- How can we use math to measure movement?
- How can we write clear instructions for playing our game?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to explain that forces cause objects to move or stop.
- Students will be able to describe how the strength of a push or pull affects an object's movement.
- Students will be able to measure and compare the strength of different pushes and pulls.
- Students will be able to explain how the size of an object affects its movement when force is applied.
- Students will be able to use mathematical concepts to measure and describe the movement of objects.
- Students will be able to write clear and concise instructions for game play.
- Students will be able to design a game that incorporates the principles of force and motion in a fair and fun way.
- Students will be able to test their game and iterate based on feedback, focusing on the game's fairness and enjoyability.
- Students will be able to communicate the rules and physics concepts behind their game effectively to others.
- Students will be able to use pushes and pulls to move objects strategically in their game.
- Students will be able to apply their understanding of forces to solve problems and overcome challenges within the game.
- Students will be able to collaborate with peers to develop and refine game designs.
- Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of net force in the context of their game by changing the movement of an object by applying a net force.
- Students will be able to describe the motion of an object
Teacher-Provided Standards
Common Core Standards
Next Generation Science Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsBroken Toy Game Challenge
A famous toy company announces it will be giving away a new game to every student, but there's a catch! The game isn't working, and the company needs the students to figure out how to get the main character to move through the game to reach the finish line. Students will explore different ways to apply force to make the character move.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Force Explorers: Push and Pull
Students observe and record how different pushes and pulls affect a stationary object (e.g., a toy car).Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA chart with observations on how force affects movement (start, stop, speed).Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 1 (Forces cause movement/stopping) and Standard C1 P3 (Net force changes movement).Measuring Motion: Block-by-Block
Students use non-standard units (e.g., blocks) to measure how far an object moves with different pushes. They'll explore how harder pushes result in greater distances.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA measurement log comparing push strength to distance traveled, using blocks as the measurement unit.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 2 (Strength affects movement), Learning Goal 3 (Measuring pushes/pulls), and Standard CCSS.Math.Content.1.MD.A.2 (Measuring lengths).Size Matters: Object Size and Motion
Students compare how different-sized objects move when pushed with the same force. They will observe that larger objects require more force to move the same distance.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comparative report on how object size affects movement distance with the same push force.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 4 (Size affects movement) and Standard C1 P3 (Net force changes movement).Game Manual: Force in Action
Students create a simple instruction manual for their force and motion game, explaining how different actions (pushes and pulls) affect the game pieces.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA short instruction manual with pictures and simple sentences explaining the game's rules and how to play, focusing on how to move objects.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goals 6 & 9 (Clear instructions & Communication), Standard CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.1.2 (Informative texts).Game Refinement: Force Feedback
Students refine their game design based on playtesting and feedback, focusing on fairness and engagement. They collaborate to adjust force levels, object sizes, and game rules to ensure balanced gameplay.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA final, refined version of their force and motion game, incorporating feedback and demonstrating a clear understanding of how forces affect the game's outcome. A reflection on the design process and how they applied their understanding of forces to improve the game.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goals 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, & 13 (Game design, testing, collaboration, strategic movement, problem-solving, collaboration, net force) and Standard C1 P3 (Net force changes movement).Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioForce and Motion Game Rubric
Force Observation
Assesses students' ability to observe, record, and explain the effects of pushes and pulls on objects.Observation & Explanation
Accuracy of observations and explanations of how pushes and pulls affect object movement (starting, stopping, speed changes).
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides thorough and accurate observations, clearly explaining how different push and pull strengths consistently affect object movement in predictable ways. Shows advanced understanding of cause-and-effect.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides accurate observations and explanations of how different push and pull strengths affect object movement. Demonstrates a good understanding of cause-and-effect.
Developing
2 PointsProvides some observations, but explanations of how push and pull strengths affect object movement are basic or inconsistent. Shows emerging understanding of cause-and-effect.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides limited and inaccurate observations. Struggles to explain how push and pull strengths affect object movement. Demonstrates minimal understanding of cause-and-effect.
Data Recording & Organization
Clarity and organization of the observation chart. Completeness of recorded data.
Exemplary
4 PointsChart is exceptionally clear, well-organized, and easy to read. All data points are thoroughly recorded and presented in a logical manner. Demonstrates exceptional attention to detail.
Proficient
3 PointsChart is clear, well-organized, and easy to read. Most data points are accurately recorded. Demonstrates good attention to detail.
Developing
2 PointsChart is somewhat organized, but may be difficult to read in places. Some data points may be missing or incomplete. Shows some attention to detail.
Beginning
1 PointsChart is disorganized and difficult to read. Many data points are missing or inaccurate. Demonstrates minimal attention to detail.
Measuring Motion
Assesses students' ability to measure distance using non-standard units, understand the relationship between force and distance, and record data effectively.Measurement Accuracy
Accuracy of measurements using blocks as units. Understanding that consistent measurement techniques yield reliable results.
Exemplary
4 PointsMeasurements are exceptionally accurate and consistent, demonstrating a deep understanding of using blocks as standardized units. Clearly explains the importance of consistent measurement for reliable results.
Proficient
3 PointsMeasurements are mostly accurate and consistent. Understands and applies the concept of using blocks as units to measure distance.
Developing
2 PointsMeasurements are sometimes inaccurate or inconsistent. Shows a basic understanding of using blocks as units, but struggles with consistent application.
Beginning
1 PointsMeasurements are largely inaccurate and inconsistent. Struggles to use blocks as units to measure distance. Demonstrates minimal understanding of the measurement process.
Force & Distance Relationship
Relationship between push strength and distance traveled. Ability to explain how increased force results in increased distance.
Exemplary
4 PointsClearly articulates the relationship between push strength and distance traveled, providing insightful explanations of how increased force consistently results in increased distance. Connects these observations to real-world examples of force and motion.
Proficient
3 PointsAccurately describes the relationship between push strength and distance traveled. Explains how harder pushes generally result in greater distances.
Developing
2 PointsShows a basic understanding that harder pushes result in greater distances, but explanations may be incomplete or lack detail. Struggles to articulate the relationship consistently.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates little to no understanding of the relationship between push strength and distance traveled. Unable to explain how force affects distance.
Data Presentation
Organization and clarity of the measurement log. Completeness of data recorded (push strength and distance).
Exemplary
4 PointsMeasurement log is exceptionally well-organized, clear, and easy to understand. All data is meticulously recorded and presented logically. Demonstrates exceptional attention to detail and data presentation.
Proficient
3 PointsMeasurement log is well-organized, clear, and easy to understand. All relevant data is accurately recorded.
Developing
2 PointsMeasurement log is somewhat organized, but may be difficult to follow. Some data may be missing or unclear. Shows some attention to detail.
Beginning
1 PointsMeasurement log is disorganized and difficult to understand. Significant amounts of data are missing or inaccurate. Demonstrates minimal attention to detail.
Object Size & Motion
Assesses students' ability to investigate and explain how object size affects motion when the same force is applied.Size & Distance Explanation
Explanation of how object size affects the distance traveled when the same force is applied.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a comprehensive and insightful explanation of how object size affects distance traveled, including consideration of factors like mass and inertia. Connects observations to scientific principles with advanced reasoning.
Proficient
3 PointsAccurately explains that larger objects travel less distance than smaller objects when pushed with the same force. Connects object size to motion with clear reasoning.
Developing
2 PointsShows a basic understanding that object size affects distance, but explanations are incomplete or lack detail. Reasoning about the connection between size and motion is emerging.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates little to no understanding of how object size affects the distance traveled. Unable to connect object size and motion. Lacks reasoning skills.
Measurement Accuracy
Accuracy of measurements of distance traveled by different-sized objects.
Exemplary
4 PointsMeasurements are exceptionally accurate and precise, demonstrating a strong understanding of measurement techniques. Pays meticulous attention to detail.
Proficient
3 PointsMeasurements are accurate and demonstrate a good understanding of measurement techniques.
Developing
2 PointsMeasurements are somewhat accurate, but may contain inconsistencies. Shows a basic understanding of measurement techniques.
Beginning
1 PointsMeasurements are inaccurate and lack consistency. Demonstrates minimal understanding of measurement techniques.
Report Quality
Clarity, completeness, and organization of the comparative report. Identification of clear patterns relating object size and distance.
Exemplary
4 PointsReport is exceptionally clear, well-organized, and insightful. Presents data in a compelling way that highlights patterns and relationships. Demonstrates exceptional analytical skills.
Proficient
3 PointsReport is clear, well-organized, and complete. Identifies clear patterns relating object size and distance traveled.
Developing
2 PointsReport is somewhat organized, but may lack clarity or completeness. Identifies some patterns, but may not be clearly articulated.
Beginning
1 PointsReport is disorganized, incomplete, and lacks clarity. Fails to identify clear patterns relating object size and distance traveled.
Game Manual
Assesses students' ability to create clear and concise instructions for their force and motion game, using both written explanations and illustrations.Instruction Clarity
Clarity and conciseness of instructions. Use of simple language appropriate for the target audience (peers).
Exemplary
4 PointsInstructions are exceptionally clear, concise, and easy to understand. Uses precise language and avoids jargon. Tailored to the target audience with exceptional skill.
Proficient
3 PointsInstructions are clear, concise, and easy to understand. Uses simple language appropriate for peers.
Developing
2 PointsInstructions are generally understandable, but may be wordy or lack clarity in places. Language is mostly appropriate for peers.
Beginning
1 PointsInstructions are difficult to understand due to lack of clarity or inappropriate language. Fails to communicate effectively to peers.
Illustration Quality
Effectiveness of illustrations in supporting and clarifying the written instructions.
Exemplary
4 PointsIllustrations are exceptionally clear, engaging, and effectively enhance the understanding of the written instructions. Demonstrates artistic skill and attention to detail. Elevates the overall quality of the manual.
Proficient
3 PointsIllustrations are clear and effectively support the written instructions. Enhance the understanding of the game rules.
Developing
2 PointsIllustrations are present, but may not always clearly support the written instructions. Some illustrations may be confusing or irrelevant.
Beginning
1 PointsIllustrations are missing, unclear, or do not support the written instructions. Detracts from the overall understanding of the manual.
Completeness
Completeness of the manual in covering all key actions involving pushes and pulls in the game.
Exemplary
4 PointsManual is exceptionally thorough, covering all key actions with meticulous detail. Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the game's mechanics. Anticipates potential questions from players.
Proficient
3 PointsManual covers all key actions involving pushes and pulls in the game. Provides sufficient information for players to understand how to play.
Developing
2 PointsManual covers most key actions, but may be missing some details or explanations. Leaves some ambiguity for players.
Beginning
1 PointsManual is incomplete and fails to cover key actions involving pushes and pulls in the game. Players will struggle to understand how to play.
Game Refinement
Assesses students' ability to refine their game based on feedback, focusing on fairness, engagement, and the application of physics knowledge.Feedback Incorporation
Extent to which feedback from playtesting is incorporated into the refined game design. Specificity of changes made based on feedback.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates a deep and nuanced understanding of the feedback received, making significant and insightful changes that dramatically improve the game's fairness, fun, and clarity. Articulates the rationale behind each change with exceptional clarity and precision.
Proficient
3 PointsIncorporates feedback effectively to improve the game's design. Makes specific changes to address issues related to fairness, fun, and ease of understanding.
Developing
2 PointsIncorporates some feedback, but changes may be superficial or not fully address the issues raised during playtesting. Demonstrates some awareness of the feedback received.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to incorporate feedback or makes changes that are unrelated to the feedback received. Demonstrates minimal awareness of the feedback provided.
Game Design Quality
Quality of the refined game design in terms of fairness, engagement, and clarity of rules.
Exemplary
4 PointsGame design is exceptionally well-balanced, engaging, and easy to understand. Demonstrates a mastery of game design principles and a deep understanding of the target audience. The game is both challenging and rewarding.
Proficient
3 PointsGame design is fair, engaging, and the rules are clear. The game is enjoyable and promotes learning about force and motion.
Developing
2 PointsGame design has some elements of fairness and engagement, but may have some imbalances or unclear rules. The game is playable, but may not be consistently enjoyable.
Beginning
1 PointsGame design is unfair, unengaging, and the rules are unclear. The game is difficult to play and does not effectively promote learning.
Design Reflection
Depth of reflection on the design process. Explanation of how knowledge of forces was applied to improve the game.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a profound and insightful reflection on the design process, demonstrating a deep understanding of how forces influence game mechanics and player experience. Articulates the connections between physics concepts and game design choices with exceptional clarity and sophistication.
Proficient
3 PointsReflects thoughtfully on the design process and explains how knowledge of forces was applied to improve the game. Provides clear examples of how physics concepts influenced design choices.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a basic reflection on the design process, but explanations of how knowledge of forces was applied are limited or superficial. Demonstrates some awareness of the connection between physics and game design.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to reflect on the design process or explain how knowledge of forces was applied to improve the game. Demonstrates minimal understanding of the relationship between physics and game design.