How can I make things move? - Lesson

In an engaging lesson aimed at young learners, the concept of motion is explored through hands-on activities and interactive discussions. The lesson begins with the simple question, "How can I make things move?" and delves into the world of magnets. Children are invited to play with magnetic fishing, a game that introduces them to the idea of magnetic force. They are encouraged to experiment with magnets of various shapes and sizes, discovering which materials are attracted to magnets and documenting their findings through photographs. This activity not only introduces the concept of magnetism but also encourages observational skills and scientific inquiry.

Moving on to the dynamics of water, the class reads 'Lost and Found' and 'Sail' to stimulate a conversation about boats and their movement. The students are challenged to design a boat that can carry a penguin home safely, which involves selecting suitable materials and considering their properties in water. Through experimentation, they learn about buoyancy and propulsion by trying different methods to move their boats, such as using fans or blowing through straws. The activity progresses to constructing sails from various materials like lolly sticks, paper, or card, and the children assess whether sails improve their boats' movement. The lesson also covers the flexibility of different materials, where children can feel and predict which materials will bend or stretch, using a Venn diagram to categorize them. Lastly, the concept of force is introduced with wheeled vehicles, slopes, and planks, prompting students to think about how wheels can aid in moving heavy objects and the role of forces like pushing and pulling in making objects move without direct contact.