Physics in Motion, Grade K: STEM Road Map for Elementary School

What if you could challenge your kindergartners to create a mini roller coaster as an entry point to understanding the physics of motion? With this volume in the STEM Road Map Curriculum Series, you can!

Physics in Motion outlines a journey that will steer your students toward authentic problem solving while grounding them in integrated STEM disciplines. Like the other volumes in the series, this book is designed to meet the growing need to infuse real-world learning into K-12 classrooms.

This interdisciplinary module uses project- and problem-based learning to help young children explore cause and effect. It prompts students to create marble track roller coasters as they make discoveries about energy, gravity, friction, and speed. Students will draw on physical science, mathematics, engineering, and English language arts to do the following:

Demonstrate awareness of motion- and energy-related concepts through play. Use technology to research and communicate information. Measure, compare, and test numbers related to their project. Discuss, investigate, and create a marble track roller coaster. Identify careers associated with roller coaster design and construction Describe and apply the engineering design process.

The STEM Road Map Curriculum Series is anchored in the Next Generation Science Standards, the Common Core State Standards, and the Framework for 21st Century Learning. In-depth and flexible, Physics in Motion can be used as a whole unit or in part to meet the needs of districts, schools, and teachers who are charting a course toward an integrated STEM approach.