Science 3 Lesson
Measuring and Describing Changes in the Position of Objects Using Reference Points
(Grade 3 MATATAG Science – Teacher's Lecture)
Learning Objective
At the end of the lesson, the learners will be able to:
- identify a reference point;
- measure the movement of an object using a grid or simple measuring tool; and
- describe the change in the position of an object using correct direction words.
Motivation (Engage)
Teacher:
Good morning, class!
Let's play a simple game.
(Place a toy car on your table.)
Teacher asks:
- Where is the toy car?
- Is it near the book?
- Is it beside the pencil?
(Expected answers: Near the book. Beside the pencil.)
Now watch carefully.
(Move the toy car.)
Did the toy car stay in the same place?
Pupils: No!
It changed its position.
Today, we will learn how to describe the movement of objects using reference points.
Discussion
What is Position?
The position of an object tells where it is located.
Examples:
- The book is on the table.
- The bag is under the chair.
- The ball is beside the box.
These words tell us the position of the object.
What is a Reference Point?
A reference point is a place or object that helps us describe where something is.
It helps us compare the position of an object before and after it moves.
Examples of Reference Points
📚 Book
🪑 Chair
🚪 Door
🌳 Tree
⭐ Starting point on a grid
How Do We Describe Movement?
When an object moves, we answer three questions:
- What object moved?
- How far did it move?
- In what direction did it move?
We use direction words such as:
⬅️ Left
➡️ Right
⬆️ Up
⬇️ Down
Example 1
The book starts here.
The teacher moves the book 2 squares to the left.
We say:
"The book moved two squares to the left of its original position."
Example 2
A toy car moves 3 squares to the right.
We say:
"The toy car moved three squares to the right."
Example 3
A ball moves 4 squares upward.
We say:
"The ball moved four squares upward."
Example 4
A butterfly flies 2 squares downward.
We say:
"The butterfly moved two squares downward."
How Do We Measure Movement?
Scientists use reference points and measurement to describe movement.
We can use a grid.
Each square equals one unit.
Example
🚗⬜⬜⬜⬜
The car moved 4 squares.
So we say:
"The car moved four squares to the right."
Real-Life Examples
Example 1
A pupil walks from the classroom door to the teacher's table.
Reference Point: Door
Sentence:
The pupil walked five steps toward the teacher's table.
Example 2
A cat walks from the chair to the window.
Reference Point: Chair
Sentence:
The cat moved three steps toward the window.
Example 3
A bird flies from one tree to another.
Reference Point: First tree
Sentence:
The bird flew to the tree on the right.
Example 4
A school bag is moved from under the table to beside the chair.
Sentence:
The school bag moved beside the chair.
Science Connection
Scientists describe movement carefully.
They do not simply say:
❌ "The object moved."
Instead, they say:
✅ "The object moved three squares to the right."
This makes the description clear and accurate.
Let's Remember
A reference point helps us tell where an object is or where it moved.
To describe movement, always include:
- the object
- the distance
- the direction
Formula
Object + Number of Squares (or Steps) + Direction
Examples:
- The book moved two squares to the left.
- The toy car moved three squares to the right.
- The ball moved four squares upward.
Check Your Understanding
Answer the following:
- What is a reference point?
- Why do we use a reference point?
- Which direction is opposite of right?
- If a toy car moves 5 squares, how far did it travel?
- Complete the sentence:
A pencil moved 2 squares to the left.
Answer: The pencil moved two squares to the left of its original position.
Key Idea
A reference point helps us describe the position of an object. By using direction words (left, right, up, down) and measuring the distance (such as counting grid squares or steps), we can clearly explain how an object's position changes. This skill helps us observe and describe movement in everyday life and in science.