Motion: Concepts + Keywords 

Concepts Related to Motion

If your class is interested in studying motion and you choose to facilitate a motion investigation, consider using any 3 or 4 concepts listed below. Choosing a limited number of concepts based on children's interests helps to narrow down the research required by teachers. It also helps teachers shape the investigation by diving deeper into the chosen content instead of feeling pressure to cover all concepts related to the topic. Choosing what's most relevant to the children in your class helps everyone get the most out of the investigation. 

Movement of Body
Movement of Objects
Motion through Play
Push + Pull
Balance + Stability

Sink or Float
Dance + Movement
Ramps + Friction
​Forces + Motion
​Rotation + Trajectory 

Cause + Effect
​Speed: Fast + Slow
Direction: Up + Down, etc
​Stop + Go
​

Key Words

• Cause: Something that gives rise to an action or condition
• Effect: The result of a physical action
• Force: The push or pull on an object that causes it to change velocity
• Motion: Movement from one place to another
• Position: The place where you are (if you change your place, you are moving)
• Gravity: A force that attracts objects towards each other.
• Magnetism: A force that pulls metal towards a magnet.
• Move: Basic term for any action involving changing position or location.
  
• Walk: Moving on foot with a slow and steady pace.
  
• Run: Moving quickly on foot with a rapid pace.
  
• Jump: Springing off the ground using both feet.
  
• Crawl: Moving on hands and knees or belly.
  
• Climb: Ascending upward by grasping or pulling with hands and feet.
  
• Slide: Moving smoothly downward on a surface.
  
• Roll: Moving by turning over and over, usually on the ground.
  
• Push: Using force to move an object away from oneself.
  
• Pull: Using force to move an object toward oneself.
  
• Spin: Rotating around a central axis.
  
• Twirl: Spinning around quickly, often while standing in one place.
  
• Hop: Moving by jumping on one foot.
  
• Skip: Moving by hopping or jumping on alternate feet in a skipping rhythm.
  
• Gallop: Moving by taking a series of long steps followed by short hops, resembling a horse's gait.
  
• Balance: Maintaining stability while standing or moving.
  
• Stop: Ceasing movement or coming to a halt.
  
• Turn: Changing direction or orientation.
  
• Reach: Extending arms or hands to touch or grab something.
  
• Stretch: Lengthening or extending the body, limbs, or muscles.
  
• Bend: Curving or flexing a joint, such as the knees or elbows.
  
• Wiggle: Moving with small, quick, back-and-forth motions.
  
• Shake: Moving vigorously from side to side.
  
• Tiptoe: Walking quietly and softly on the toes.
  
• Fall: Losing balance and descending to the ground.