Motion teaching resources

Motion refers to the change in position of an object over time, and is a fundamental concept in physical science studied across various year levels in the Australian curriculum. Understanding motion involves exploring how and why objects move, the forces that influence their movement, and the mathematical principles that describe these changes, such as speed, velocity, acceleration, and Newton’s laws of motion.

Teaching the concept of motion helps students build critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they observe, measure, and analyse real-world phenomena. Early years might focus on simple observations of movement—rolling balls, swinging pendulums, or walking—while upper primary and secondary students delve deeper into complex ideas like inertia, momentum, friction, and the effects of gravity.

In the classroom, Motion resources can include experiments, hands-on investigations, multimedia content, worksheets, and simulations. Teachers might use these materials to:

• Demonstrate everyday examples of motion and the forces acting on objects
• Guide students through practical experiments, such as measuring the distance and time of moving objects to calculate speed
• Explore historical scientific advances, including Newton’s laws and Galileo’s experiments
• Integrate cross-curricular learning, such as applying maths skills to motion graphs or linking with technology through data logging tools

Understanding motion is essential for students as it connects to broader scientific ideas and everyday life, informing knowledge about transport, sports, engineering, and even space exploration. Effective teaching resources help make these abstract concepts concrete, supporting students to observe, question, and investigate the world around them.