Physical Science: Motion in Our World
Unit Overview
Motion occurs throughout our physical world, from the readily observable motion of people and vehicles moving throughout our society to the less easily observable motion of atoms vibrating and planets orbiting. In this unit, students will focus their study of motion on the description and analysis of simple linear motion using words, diagrams, graphs, and equations. Students will use the context of observing and describing the motion of everyday objects that undergo simple linear motion (one-dimensional kinematics). Students need to have varied hands-on experiences with moving objects in order to develop strong conceptual understandings of position, speed, and acceleration.
Students should be able to achieve the goals of this unit without having the same understanding of kinematics terminology (i.e., distance, speed, and acceleration) as might be expected of students in a physics course. Specific topics related to motion that will be explored in physics courses include: distance-displacement and speed-velocity distinctions, the causes of motion (dynamics), and motion in two or more dimensions (i.e., projectile motion, orbiting motion).
K-12 Related Topics in Science
Saskatchewan Science Units (2005)
Grade 1 - Motion
Grade 3 - Simple Machines (Optional)
Grade 5 - Machines and Work (Optional)
Grade 7 - Force and Motion
Grade 8 - Energy and Machines (Optional)
Grade 11 - Waves
Grade 11 - Light
Grade 12 - Kinematics and Dynamics
Grade 12 - Mechanical Energy
Grade 12 - Applications of Kinematics and Dynamics (Optional)
Pan-Canadian Framework Units
Grade 2 - Relative Position and Motion
Grade 5 - Forces and Simple Machines
Grade 10 - Motion in our world
Grade 11/12 - Force, Motion, and Work
Grade 11/12 - Energy and Momentum
Grade 11/12 - Waves
Key Questions
- What are the characteristics of the motion of objects that exhibit uniform motion or uniformly accelerated motion?
- How can we describe motion and the changes in motion of everyday objects?
- What are different methods of representing the motion of everyday objects and what are the advantages and disadvantages of these methods?
- What are some methods of determining the position, speed, and acceleration of everyday objects?
Key Concepts
The motion of any object can be described by its position, direction of motion, and speed. That motion can be measured and represented on a graph or by the use of mathematical equations. All motion is relative to whatever reference point the observer chooses. Since everything in the universe is moving, there is no fixed reference point in space from which to measure all movement.
Suggested Themes
The theme of personal transportation devices (e.g., feet, shoes, bicycles, snowshoes, roller blades, wheelchairs, motorcycles, or passenger automobiles) is strongly suggested for this unit. Such a theme enables students to apply the descriptive language and analytic tools of kinematics to concrete examples of familiar motion. Alternatively, students might study the motion of athletes, automobiles, or objects in flight to situate their learning within a personally relevant context.