Forces and Motion
Little science stars Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
Questions posed on each spread help children learn about the forces in a bright and modern way. Concise text combines with fantastic photography and illustrations in a book that will challenge children to figure things out for themselves. Harnessing children's natural curiosity about the world, this engaging series introduces kids to key science concepts through a simple question-and-answer format. Absorbing artwork illustrates how friction, slopes, pushing, and pulling affect motion.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some examples of forces you see in your daily life?
How do you think motion changes when different forces are applied?
Can you think of a time when you pushed or pulled something? What happened?
Why do you think understanding forces and motion is important?
How would you explain gravity to a friend?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by relating the topic to something your child interacts with every day, like playing on a swing or riding a bicycle. Encourage them to think about how they move and what makes them stop or go faster. Use simple, real-life examples to explain concepts, and ask your child to demonstrate their understanding through play, such as building ramps for toy cars or playing with magnets. Listen actively to their explanations and gently guide them towards deeper understanding by prompting further thought with questions like 'What happens if we change this?' This approach will make the learning process engaging and relevant.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Basic Physics Concepts
Explanation: Through engaging illustrations and simple explanations, 'Forces and Motion' introduces children to the fundamental principles of physics, such as gravity, friction, and momentum.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these principles to everyday activities, understanding why objects fall, how sliding works, or why certain movements propel them forward.
Example Lesson: Encouragement of Curiosity and Inquiry
Explanation: 'Forces and Motion' encourages children to ask questions and explore how things work, fostering a sense of curiosity.
Real-World Application: This curiosity can lead children to explore more science-related activities, experiments, or further reading, enhancing their understanding of the world around them.
Example Lesson: Development of Critical Thinking Skills
Explanation: The book challenges children to think about how and why things move, promoting critical thinking skills.
Real-World Application: Children learn to analyze situations and come up with explanations for everyday phenomena, which can aid them in academic settings and problem-solving situations.
Example Lesson: Learning Through Observation
Explanation: By using real-world examples to explain complex concepts, the book teaches children the importance of observation in learning.
Real-World Application: Children can hone their observational skills by relating physical concepts to what they see in their environment, such as observing how a ball rolls down a hill or how ice reduces friction.