Children find out which force makes a ball go farthest: rolling, throwing, or kicking.
Act out different ways we can make a ball move.
Predict which will make the ball go farthest: rolling, throwing, or kicking.
Materials
- Large level play area
- Marker
- 3 playground balls
- 3 sheets of paper or other material for signs
- Tape or string to mark start area
Preparation
- Look for a large, safe area that has a level surface.
- Prepare three sign sets for marking where each child’s farthest ball lands. Label each set “roll,” “throw,” and “kick.”
Directions: Lessons 1, 2
Outdoors
- Children explore how different actions can make a ball move. Hold up a ball and ask children to name different ways you can make a ball move. Mime each action the children name: roll it, throw it, kick it.
- Have three children do the activity at a time. Give each child a ball. What shall we do first with the balls: roll them, throw them, or kick them? Have them try all three actions in the order they choose.
- Have children line up at a “start line” on one edge of a level play area or gym. Explain that they will all make their balls move in the same direction.
- Engage children in predicting the distance the balls will go with each action. Which action do you predict will make the ball go farthest: rolling, throwing, or kicking?
- Have children try the three actions again, one action at a time. After each action, use a sign to mark where the farthest ball came to a stop. Leave the signs in place.
- Guide children as they observe and compare the placement of the three signs. Which action made the ball go farthest: rolling, throwing, or kicking? How do you know?
- Which action do you think has the biggest force (mime the actions): a roll, a throw, or a kick?
- Have three different children take a turn and repeat the activity.
