What is Motion? — Reading Comprehension

Motion happens when something changes its position. If an object is in one place and then moves to another, it is in motion. For example, when a car drives down the street or when a ball rolls across the floor, both are showing motion.

We can observe motion with our eyes. We can also measure it by looking at how far an object moves and how long it takes. Scientists often use patterns to understand motion. If a ball always rolls the same way when you push it, you can predict where it will go next time.

Motion can happen in many directions. An object might move forward, backward, up, down, or even in circles. To fully describe motion, we need to know how far it goes (size) and which way it goes (direction). Both size and direction are important when talking about movement.

Here are some common examples:

• -A swing moves back and forth.
• -The Earth spins in circles, giving us day and night.
• -A person walks from one side of the playground to another.
• Motion helps us understand how things work in our world. By observing and measuring, scientists—and even kids—can make predictions. For example, if you know how a toy car rolled before, you can guess where it will stop next time.
• Motion is all around us—on Earth and in space!

Fun Fact: Did you know the Earth moves around the Sun at about 67,000 miles per hour? You don’t feel it because everything around you is moving at the same speed!

What is motion?

Which object shows motion?

Why do we measure motion?

A swing moves back and forth. What does this show?

Why don’t we feel Earth move?

You roll a toy car. It always stops near the same spot. What can you do?

If a ball goes forward, what describes this motion?

Which best shows predicting motion?