Kiddos

A Gina & Ollie learning journey

Everyday investigations

What happens when we try something and look closely?

Connect a push or pull to moving a load on a ramp. Then choose an independent floating investigation or a vibration model.

Begin the journey

At your own pace.

Keep predictions distinct from revealed results. In a test, change one chosen feature while keeping the relevant setup the same. Floating, ramps and sound do not share one explanation.

A discovery to listen for.

Listen for a child comparing an idea with an observation, or explaining the limit of a picture-based model.

  1. 1Gina pushes a red ball with one forehoof while smaller Ollie pulls an empty wooden cart by a rigid handle. Rightward force arrows point away from Gina and toward Ollie.

    Start here

    Pushes and Pulls

    How can we tell a push from a pull?

    Explain a pictured force in relation to the helper and object, not just left or right.

    Explore this lesson
  2. 2Gina pushes an empty blue toy cart toward a low wooden platform on a gentle ramp while smaller Ollie watches. A sloping route and a shorter vertical straight-lift route reach the same height.

    Build on your last discovery

    How Ramps Help

    Why might a longer route upward be useful?

    Compare route lengths to the same height and describe the ramp’s force-distance trade.

    Explore this lesson

Where will curiosity take you?

These related explorations are optional choices. Each has its own explanation and activity.

Gina and Ollie compare a cork floating at the water’s surface with a steel spoon resting on the bottom of a bowl, alongside an upward water-push explanation.

Sink or Float?

Can we predict a new object’s result before testing it?

Gina gently taps a drum while Ollie watches; marks show the drum skin vibrating and lines represent sound waves moving through the air.

Sound Starts with Vibrations

What moves when a sound begins?

For teachers

A sequence you can adapt.

Use one core poster per short session. Begin the next session by revisiting one previous idea; offer branches as choices.

Print or display the selected poster and prepare its listed materials. Read the misconception note and answer cues. Use the companion journal for optional records.

  1. Pushes and Pulls

    Explain a pictured force in relation to the helper and object, not just left or right.

    Return prompt: At the Ramps poster, point to the cart and describe what is pushing it.

  2. How Ramps Help

    Compare route lengths to the same height and describe the ramp’s force-distance trade.

    Return prompt: Find a ramp in a familiar picture or recall one you have seen. What two levels does it connect?

Closing check: Listen for a child comparing an idea with an observation, or explaining the limit of a picture-based model.

Take this journey onto paper.

The poster pack includes every lesson in this journey. The companion includes parent conversations, classroom plans and a discovery record.

A3 poster PDFA4 poster PDFUS Letter poster PDFConversation & classroom guide