Exploring Force and Motion: Physics Through Art

We learned that all motion is either caused by two kinds of force. Pushing or pulling. I set out clay and let them explore by using the forces of pushing and pulling using their hands and clay tools.

We then used these forces on the clay to create pinch pots! They pushed and pulled with their fingers and then pushed using clay tools to add a personal touch.



They wanted to add some color so they painted them with liquid watercolor.

We also explored by using force and motion to create a collaborative piece of art. First they pushed and pulled large brushes to mix the colors for the base.

Ramps are an amazing way to create motion! This brought up the question of what force pulls things down the ramp when they are not pushing them? We learned about how the force of gravity will pull things down. The kids rolled a truck down a ramp through paint onto our canvas. The tracks showed the motion.



I think this was my favorite stage of this painting!



We continued exploring the way inclined planes used gravity as a force to create motion. They slashed some paint on the canvas and had to adjust the incline to change the direction of the marble’s motion and get it through the paint! 





We created a pendulum for the kids to explore motion with. We filled it with watered down paint and the kids pushed or pulled it certain ways to create a circular motion.



Instead of running, the paint dripped, so it was a different effect than we expected but everyone loved the result!



They sprinkled paint onto the canvas, letting gravity pull it down, then pushed and pulled the paint with a piece of cardboard.





We were using pastel colors, but when I wasn’t looking, they added some bright pink and orange. We all loved their choice!



Lastly, they flicked paint onto the canvas to give it the finishing touch! This method was introduced by a little friend in our class!



I love our finished collaborative force and motion art! It truly is a beautiful art piece!



Here is the progression of our canvas!



They also created individual art using force and motion also!

Here is our documentation of the process and what we learned about physics through art in the hallway.

Stay tuned to see how force and motion, especially through inclined planes, sparked an interest in simple machines!

Here are a few pics to show some of the literacy and math experiences that thy hav been visiting...