Activity Overview
One thing students often find difficult is using new scientific vocabulary correctly and in the appropriate context. When starting a unit, it can be helpful to introduce them to all the new terminology and have them create visual vocabulary boards that define and illustrate each word. Having a visual example along with the definition can help students understand abstract concepts.
Suggested Motion Vocabulary
- Acceleration
- Air Resistance
- Arrows
- Atmosphere
- Average
- Average Speed
- Balanced Forces
- Brakes
- Constant Speed
- Descend
- Drag
- Falling
- Faster
- Gradient
- Lift
- Lubricant
- Maximum Speed
- Meters
- Motion
- Newton
- Oil
- Parachutes
- Pedals
- Performance
- Proportional
- Pulling
- Pushing
- Race
- Ramps
- Resistance
- Skating
- Sliding
- Slope
- Slower
- Spacecraft
- Speed
- Stationary
- Streamlined
- Tangent
- Terminal Velocity
- Thrust
- Ticker Timer
- Unbalanced
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Define and illustrate key vocabulary for motion and forces.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose five vocabulary words and type them in the title boxes.
- Find the definition in a print or online dictionary and write it under the cell.
- Illustrate the meaning of the word in the cell using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
- Alternatively, use Photos for Class to give examples of the words.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definitions | The vocabulary word is correctly defined. | The meaning of the vocabulary words can be understood but it is awkward. | The vocabulary word is not clearly defined. |
| Visualization | The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word. Or The storyboard cell has clear examples of the key word. | The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand. Or The storyboard cell has some unclear examples of the key word. | The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word. Or The storyboard cell does not have clear examples of the key word. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
One thing students often find difficult is using new scientific vocabulary correctly and in the appropriate context. When starting a unit, it can be helpful to introduce them to all the new terminology and have them create visual vocabulary boards that define and illustrate each word. Having a visual example along with the definition can help students understand abstract concepts.
Suggested Motion Vocabulary
- Acceleration
- Air Resistance
- Arrows
- Atmosphere
- Average
- Average Speed
- Balanced Forces
- Brakes
- Constant Speed
- Descend
- Drag
- Falling
- Faster
- Gradient
- Lift
- Lubricant
- Maximum Speed
- Meters
- Motion
- Newton
- Oil
- Parachutes
- Pedals
- Performance
- Proportional
- Pulling
- Pushing
- Race
- Ramps
- Resistance
- Skating
- Sliding
- Slope
- Slower
- Spacecraft
- Speed
- Stationary
- Streamlined
- Tangent
- Terminal Velocity
- Thrust
- Ticker Timer
- Unbalanced
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Define and illustrate key vocabulary for motion and forces.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose five vocabulary words and type them in the title boxes.
- Find the definition in a print or online dictionary and write it under the cell.
- Illustrate the meaning of the word in the cell using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.
- Alternatively, use Photos for Class to give examples of the words.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 16 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definitions | The vocabulary word is correctly defined. | The meaning of the vocabulary words can be understood but it is awkward. | The vocabulary word is not clearly defined. |
| Visualization | The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the meaning of the vocabulary word. Or The storyboard cell has clear examples of the key word. | The storyboard cell relates to the meaning of the vocabulary word, but is difficult to understand. Or The storyboard cell has some unclear examples of the key word. | The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary word. Or The storyboard cell does not have clear examples of the key word. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Vocabulary for Force & Motion
Organize a classroom word wall for force and motion vocabulary
Create a dedicated space in your classroom or on a bulletin board for a force and motion word wall. This visual tool makes key terms accessible and reinforces learning daily.
Select and display key vocabulary terms
Choose essential force and motion terms from your curriculum or the suggested list. Display each word clearly using large, bold letters so all students can see them from anywhere in the room.
Add student-created definitions and illustrations
Invite students to write simple definitions and draw or attach pictures for each word. Student ownership deepens understanding and helps connect abstract concepts to real examples.
Regularly review and interact with the word wall
Refer to the word wall during lessons, class discussions, or quick review games. Frequent interaction keeps vocabulary fresh and helps students use terms correctly in context.
Rotate and expand the word wall as learning progresses
Update the word wall by adding new terms and rotating out less relevant words as you move through the unit. This keeps the display relevant and supports ongoing vocabulary growth.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vocabulary for Force & Motion
What are effective ways to teach force and motion vocabulary to students?
Visual vocabulary boards are an effective method for teaching force and motion terms. Students define each word and create illustrations, helping them connect abstract concepts to real-world examples and deepen understanding.
How can I help students remember key force and motion terms?
Encourage students to create visual representations of vocabulary words, such as drawings, diagrams, or using photos. This multisensory approach makes abstract terms more memorable and meaningful.
What is a visual vocabulary board and how is it used in science lessons?
A visual vocabulary board is a tool where students define key terms and illustrate their meanings. In science lessons, it helps learners understand and retain complex concepts by combining text and images.
Which motion vocabulary words should I introduce in a middle school science unit?
Introduce essential terms like acceleration, balanced forces, speed, friction, gravity, unbalanced and terminal velocity to give students a strong foundation in force and motion concepts.
How can students illustrate scientific vocabulary to improve understanding?
Students can draw scenes, create diagrams, or use educational images to represent vocabulary words. Visualizing terms like 'thrust' or 'drag' helps clarify their meanings and applications in real-world contexts.
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