JHCM Force and Motion and Simple Machines: Car Build
Through interactive lab stations and using the scientific method, students explore some of the forces that put objects in motion including: pushes, pulls, wind, magnets, friction and gravity. They design and build cars with spinning wheels and axles that can be pushed and pulled using recycled materials. This building project enhances engineering literacy skills such as cutting, measuring, using glue guns, and exploring how to make functional wheels and axles through problem solving. They test and race their cars on ramps, on the playground, in their classrooms and homes.
*Virtual Update- Program can be adapted to a drop-box program with JHCM teacher led zoom instruction.
Force and Motion Labs: 5 stations that explore different forces that exert push or pull energy on an object
Vocabulary: push, pull, wheel, axle, inclined plane, gravity, friction, work, force, motion, magnetism
Cross Cutting Concepts: Cause and Effect: Simple tests can be designed to gather evidence to support or refute student ideas about causes.
Science Standards This Program Meets
K-PS2-1 Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions
- Grade: Kindergarten
- Discipline: Physical Science
Plan and conduct an investigation to compare the effects of different strengths or different directions of pushes and pulls on the motion of an object
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K-PS2-2 Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions
- Grade: Kindergarten
- Discipline: Physical Science
Analyze data to determine if a design solution works as intended to change the speed or direction of an object with a push or a pull.
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About Jackson Hole Children's Museum

This document outlines how our current JHCM programs align to Wyoming State Standards (and NGSS). As TCSD#1 adopts new science curriculum, we can design programs that better fit the standards. Keep in touch, plan ahead, and we can make STEAMy magic happen! All of our lessons include labs that explore the scientific method and an engaging building challenge using recycled materials! *All programs can be adapted to a drop-box program with JHCM teacher led zoom instruction*
View All Programs Visit WebsiteWho | K - 5th Grade |
What | Our two-hour programs begin with interactive, student-centered scientific method lab stations. They end with big, messy, and material heavy building projects where students utilize newly acquired vocabulary and content while also enhancing their engineering literacy skills. |
When | All year long |
Where | JHCM, TCSD Classroom or Virtual |
Why | Our STEAM programs honor self-discovery in learning by providing the “space” for students to explore and express their learning using their own ideas and creative process. |