Lessons using informational texts and digital media (online games and videos) from PBS KIDS shows, including Sid the Science Kid, Martha Speaks, and The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That!, help children build concept knowledge about potential and kinetic energy and the forces, such as friction, that affect the speed and direction of an object in motion.

The lessons engage children in scientific thinking and reasoning through simple investigations with ramps of different heights, lengths, and surfaces. Throughout the lessons, children use the creative coding app PBS KIDS ScratchJr to report and share what they learned about energy and motion. All lessons are aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

Check out the videos above to see first grade teacher Alicia Poulin teach Energy & Motion to her class!