Veteran science educator Leslie Long shares engaging activities for pre-k to grade 5 students learning balancing and other physics-related themes within Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). All of these activities can be done outdoors or in, and with not much more than rocks when outside, or paper, pencils, paper clips and a ruler indoors.
The amazing science educator and Seedlings Science Facilitator Leslie Long has put together this demonstration video of activities for manipulating a variety of easy-to-find objects so that young people can experience the principals of motion, balance and stability. Through that experience, they can develop an understanding of the concepts. Many of these activities can be done outdoors, which is always a great place to learn. Resources and a suggested supply list below.
Physics, Math, Art & Outdoors--OH MY!
Suggested Supplies (Not all are necessary--you can be creative!)
- binder clips, small or medium
- building blocks
- lightweight cardboard, index card, or oak tag paper
- paper clips
- pennies
- pencil
- ribbon or string
- rocks
- ruler
- scissors
- tape
- wooden board
Related Books & Videos
The following videos share relevant readings that continue our exploration on physics and math themes.
Balancing Act by Ellen Stoll Walsh
Equal Schmequel by Virginia Kroll
Mirette on the High Wire by Emily Arnold McCully
Templates & Other Info
- Balancing Clown/Frog
https://www.amherstnh.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif4116/f/uploads/balancingclown.pdf - Another Clown w/ lesson
https://www.sfi.ie/site-files/primary-science/media/pdfs/col/acrobatic_clown.pdf - Balancing Robot
https://buggyandbuddy.com/science-kids-balancing-robot-free-printable/