Motion Energy — Reading Comprehension

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This NGSS-aligned science passage for 4th graders focuses on the disciplinary core concept of Motion Energy (PS1.A). It's designed to build reading comprehension skills while explaining fundamental scientific principles in an accessible way. The passage defines motion energy and explores how mass and speed affect its quantity. Students will learn about the transfer of energy through real-world examples, and the accompanying multiple-choice questions align with Webb's Depth of Knowledge levels to assess recall, inference, and application. This resource is perfect for teaching fundamental physics concepts at the elementary level, making science engaging and understandable for young learners. This educational tool effectively links science content with reading comprehension, providing a comprehensive learning experience aligned with national educational standards. It's a great way to introduce elementary students to the physics of force and motion.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Any object that is moving has a type of energy called motion energy. This is also known as kinetic energy. We see motion energy every day. A rolling skateboard, a bouncing ball, or even a gust of wind are all examples of motion energy. An object's motion energy is determined by two main factors: its mass and its speed.

Mass is the amount of "stuff" an object is made of. The more mass an object has, the more motion energy it possesses when it moves. For instance, a heavy bowling ball and a small baseball rolling at the same speed have different amounts of motion energy. The bowling ball, with its greater mass, has more motion energy than the baseball.

Speed also plays a big role. The faster an object moves, the more motion energy it has. Think about a bike. When you ride it slowly, it has some motion energy. When you pedal very fast, the bike's motion energy increases a lot. This is why it's easier to stop a slowly moving object than a fast one.

Motion energy can be transferred from one object to another. For example, when a bowling ball hits the pins, its motion energy is transferred to the pins, causing them to move and fall over. This transfer of energy is what makes things happen in the world around us.

Fun Fact: The Earth is constantly moving, both spinning on its axis and orbiting the sun. Because of this movement, our planet has an immense amount of motion energy!

What is motion energy?

Energy of an object that is moving.Energy from a heavy object.Energy of an object that is still.Energy that makes a lightbulb glow.

What are the two factors that determine motion energy?

Size and color.Mass and speed.Weight and shape.Height and distance.

What has more motion energy?

A light ball moving fast.A heavy ball moving slowly.A very heavy bowling ball.A very light bouncy ball.

What is a key characteristic of mass?

The amount of "stuff" in an object.How fast an object is moving.The color of an object.The shape of an object.

How does a bowling ball knock over pins?

The pins create motion energy.The pins make the ball stop.The ball's energy is transferred to pins.The ball and pins lose energy.

How could you give a basketball more motion energy?

Make it sit perfectly still.Make the ball smaller.Throw it much faster.Change its color.