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What is Motion? — Reading Comprehension

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This NGSS-aligned passage explains 'What is Motion?' in clear and simple terms for elementary students. Motion is described as a change in position, with examples such as a rolling ball, a swing, and Earth’s orbit around the Sun. The text highlights the importance of both size (distance) and direction when describing motion, supporting the NGSS standard PS2.A: Forces and Motion. It encourages students to observe and measure patterns of motion so they can predict future movement. Fun facts and examples make the content engaging, while 8 multiple-choice questions check understanding at different Depth of Knowledge levels. The passage integrates science literacy with prediction skills and offers a fun fact about Earth’s speed around the Sun. Perfect for classrooms, tutoring, or home learning, this passage is audio integrated, ensuring accessibility for all learners. Keywords such as motion, NGSS PS2.A, predict motion, and forces and motion support SEO and make the content easy to find for educators and parents.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Motion is the word scientists use to describe any change in an object's position or location over time. If something moves from one place to another, it is in motion. We can tell an object is moving by comparing where it is now to where it was before. The things around it, called reference points, help us see this change. For example, when you walk to school, your position changes compared to the houses and trees you pass.

How do we know something is moving? We observe motion by looking at how an object changes its place compared to other things that stay still. If the ball you kicked rolls away from your foot, you know it is moving because its position is different than before. Even the hands on a clock change their position as time passes. By watching and observing, we discover what is moving and what is standing still.

Types of Motion There are many ways things can move. Some objects move in a straight line, like a soccer ball being kicked across a field. Others move in a circular path, like a merry-go-round or the Earth spinning on its axis. Some things move back and forth, like a swing in the playground. This is called back-and-forth motion. Sometimes, objects move in a zigzag pattern, like a squirrel running across a yard.

Starting Points and Measuring Motion To measure motion, we need a starting point. This helps us know how far and in what direction something has moved. For example, you can measure how far you walked from your classroom door to your desk. Scientists use starting points and reference points to describe motion clearly.

Motion is Everywhere! Everything around us can be in motion, even things that seem still. The Earth is always spinning and traveling around the sun. In the classroom, you can see motion when students walk, pencils roll, or papers fall to the floor. Motion is like playing tag—you are always changing your location!

Interesting Fact: Even when you are sitting still, the Earth is spinning at about 1,000 miles per hour!

What is motion?

A change in positionA kind of plantA place to sitA type of weather

Which is a reference point?

A tree next to youThe windA moving ballYour laugh

What moves in a circular path?

A merry-go-roundA pencilA deskA book

Why do we need a starting point?

To measure motionTo eat lunchTo make noiseTo count trees

Which is an example of back-and-forth motion?

A swingA clockA cloudA shoe

How do we observe motion?