Grow Up Great
Note: This exploration can go on for several days, as long as children maintain interest (see Lesson Tips).
A force can be described as a push or pull that makes something move. A force can also hold an object together. Gravity is a force, and it pulls objects toward the center of the Earth. The mass of every object is centered at a certain point in the object. This is called the center of gravity. The higher the center of gravity of an object, the more difficult it is for it to be balanced. Gravity acts on things in different ways. If something is very tall and not balanced, gravity can cause it to topple over. For instance, a block tower constructed of many blocks will experience gravity pulling on the entire structure and also pulling on each individual block. If the blocks are not balanced as they are stacked, gravity will cause the block tower to topple.
Children can begin to understand forces when they explore using different materials to build structures. Most children have experience building with blocks and are familiar with stacking and lining up blocks. Building with non-traditional materials, such as plastic containers and cardboard boxes, can help with encouraging curiosity, exploration, and discovery. As children continue to interact with the materials, they will gain confidence in their ability to build and may begin to explore building in different ways.
A force can be described as a push or pull that makes something move. A force can also hold an object together. Gravity is a force, and it pulls objects toward the center of the Earth. The mass of every object is centered at a certain point in the object. This is called the center of gravity. The higher the center of gravity of an object, the more difficult it is for it to be balanced. Gravity acts on things in different ways. If something is very tall and not balanced, gravity can cause it to topple over. For instance, a block tower constructed of many blocks will experience gravity pulling on the entire structure and also pulling on each individual block. If the blocks are not balanced as they are stacked, gravity will cause the block tower to topple.
These lessons are aligned with the Common Core State Standards ("CCSS"). The CCSS provide a consistent, clear understanding of the concepts and skills children are expected to learn and guide teachers to provide their students with opportunities to gain these important skills and foundational knowledge.[2]
While we believe that the books and resources recommended may be of value to you, keep in mind that these are suggestions only and you must do your own due diligence to determine whether the materials are appropriate and suitable for your use. PNC has no sponsorship or endorsement agreement with the authors or publishers of the materials listed.
There are currently no Common Core Standards for pre-k, but these lessons are aligned as closely as possible to capture the requirements and meet the goals of Common Core Standards. However, these lessons were neither reviewed or approved by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices or the Council of Chief State School Officers, which together are the owners and developers of the Common Core State Standards.
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