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Predicting Collisions — Reading Comprehension

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NGSS 4-PS3-3

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This engaging 250-word science passage helps Grade 4-5 students understand how scientists predict collision outcomes by analyzing speed, mass, and direction of moving objects. Aligned with NGSS standard 4-PS3-3, the passage explains how heavier objects and faster objects transfer more energy during collisions, causing bigger changes in motion. Students explore real-world examples like bowling balls knocking down pins and shopping carts bumping together. The passage includes audio integration for enhanced learning accessibility. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz testing scientific facts and comprehension, writing prompts requiring students to explain concepts and apply knowledge, and graphic organizers for analyzing cause-effect relationships and comparing different collision scenarios. A simplified differentiated version ensures all learners can access the content. Spanish translations of both versions support English language learners. The glossary defines key terms like collision, mass, speed, direction, and energy transfer. This comprehensive resource makes abstract physics concepts tangible through familiar examples and clear explanations suitable for upper elementary students.

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A bowling ball ready to knock down pins at a lively bowling alley. — a bowling ball rolling down a lane knocks down more pins than a tennis ball would—the bowling ball has much more mass, so it transfers more energy when it hits the pins. Image crediit Pavel Danilyuk / Pexels.

A collision happens when two or more objects bump into each other. Scientists can predict what will happen during a collision by studying three important things: the speed of the objects (how fast they're moving), their mass (how much matter they contain), and their direction (which way they're going). Understanding these factors helps us know what will happen before objects even touch.

When objects collide, they transfer energy from one to another. Energy is the ability to cause change or do work. The amount of energy transferred depends on both speed and mass. A heavier object moving at the same speed as a lighter object has more energy to transfer. Similarly, a faster object has more energy than a slower one of the same mass. This is why a bowling ball rolling down a lane knocks down more pins than a tennis ball would—the bowling ball has much more mass, so it transfers more energy when it hits the pins.

Speed also plays a big role in collision outcomes. If you gently push a shopping cart into another cart, they might barely move. But if you push the same cart really fast, the collision will be much more dramatic. The faster cart transfers more energy, causing bigger changes in motion. Scientists use this understanding to predict exactly how objects will move after they collide.

Direction matters too when predicting collisions. If two objects are moving toward each other, they'll have a more powerful collision than if one is chasing the other from behind. Think about two toy cars: if they roll toward each other head-on, they'll bounce back more forcefully than if one just taps the other from behind while moving in the same direction.

Engineers and scientists use these principles every day. Car safety designers create crumple zones and airbags by understanding how mass, speed, and direction affect collisions. Sports equipment makers design helmets and padding based on collision predictions. Even video game programmers use these same rules to make virtual objects behave realistically.

Predicting collisions helps us understand the world around us and keep people safe. By knowing how mass, speed, and direction work together, scientists can calculate what will happen when objects meet. This knowledge lets us design safer cars, better sports equipment, and even predict what happens when planets and asteroids move through space.

What is a collision?

When objects bump into each otherWhen objects move very fastWhen objects have lots of massWhen objects change direction

What three things help predict collisions?

Color, size, and shapeSpeed, mass, and directionWeight, height, and lengthTemperature, pressure, and volume

Why does a bowling ball knock down more pins?

It is rounder than a tennis ballIt moves in a straight lineIt has more mass and transfers more energyIt is painted a darker color

What happens when you push a cart faster?

The collision transfers less energyThe collision transfers more energyThe cart becomes heavierThe cart changes color

Which collision would be more powerful?

Two cars moving in same directionOne car tapping another from behindTwo cars moving toward each otherTwo cars standing still

How do car designers use collision predictions?

To make cars go fasterTo create crumple zones and airbagsTo choose car colorsTo design car radios

Energy can cause change or do work.

TrueFalse

What does mass mean?

How fast something movesThe amount of matter in an objectWhich way something is goingThe color of an object

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• Reading comprehension practice
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• Reading practice at home
• Comprehension improvement
• Educational reading time

🏠 Homeschoolers

• Reading curriculum support
• Independent reading practice
• Progress monitoring

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Comprehension Quiz

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Predicting Collisions — Reading Comprehension

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