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dice, paper clips and scissors on a table

Set of pendulums swinging

Pendulums

This activity invites K–5 students, in both English and Spanish, to explore the phenomena of pendulums and investigate the question,  “What happens to the swing speed of your pendulum when you change one of the variables?” Students test one variable at a time to figure-out the effect of length, weight, and release point on how long it takes the pendulum to swing back and forth. This activity supports science standards for Energy in 4th grade and for Gravity in 5th grade.

Teachers can use this activity in virtual or in-person environments, with minimal prep time and common household materials. Slides scaffolding the student experience can be modified to suit different learning contexts.The accompanying Teacher Support Guide contains suggestions for how to use the activity, support for sense-making discussions, content background, and connections to ELA, math, and the 4th and 5th grade science standards.


Grade Bands: 
K-2
3-5
Subject: 
Physics
Keywords: 
pendulum
exhibit-based
motion
gravity
NGSS and EP&Cs: 
ESS
ESS1
PS
PS2
PS3
CCCs
Patterns
Cause and Effect

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Video Demonstration

Pendulums Exploration
Pendulums Investigation
Péndulos Exploración
Péndulos Investigación

Teacher Resources

Supporting materials for classroom instruction:

  • Teacher Support Guide
  • Slides for leading the Exploration
  • Slides for leading the Investigation


Blowing bubbles in a tray
Bubbles

Investigate what happens when you connect many bubbles.

scissors, paper clips, string and dice on a table
Watch and Do Science

Spark delight and learning with six hands-on, phenomena-driven learning experiences.

Rolling a can down a ramp
Ramps and Rollers

Investigate how a ramp’s steepness affects objects rolling down it. 

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