In Perfect Harmony

Learn about the natural patterns of harmonic motion by exploring springs and pendulums. Experiment with cyclical patterns, balanced, and unbalanced forces. Observe the unique motion of a toy spring in slow-motion, learn to draw force diagrams, analyze forces using different springs, learn about pendulums, design a sand pendulum, and experiment with circular motion!

This Launch-level kit for grades 8-12 includes a full-color student workbook and a detailed teacher guide, with step-by-step instructions for both hands-on and reading-based activities designed to engage students in simple harmonic motion.

Both teacher and student will be able to open the box and start within minutes. This kit provides over 17 hours of engaging learning.

In this kit, the student will engage in these hands-on learning experiences:

1. Observe the unique motion of springs using slow-motion technology.
2. Learn about balanced and unbalanced forces to draw diagrams.
3. Use math to understand the motion and forces of springs.
4. Learn about pendulums and create sand art using simple harmonic motion.
5. Compare circular motion and simple harmonic motion.

Use In Perfect Harmony to answer questions such as:

• Can you calculate the motion of springs?
• How can you draw accurate diagrams of physical forces?
• Why do clocks use a pendulum to keep time?
• What are some patterns that are similar between cyclical and oscillating motion?

Your student is ready for this kit when:

• They have an understanding of balanced and unbalanced forces.
• They have basic algebra skills.

The following are Science Unlocked kits we suggest your student has completed prior to doing this kit:

• Funny Forces
• Controlling Collisions

In Perfect Harmony kit is a part of the Science Unlocked Launch series and is recommended middle and high school students in grades 8-12.

Interested in learning more? Check out our Student Workbook Sample and Teacher Guide Sample!  

More Information

• Activity 1 Slow Motion Video
• Safety Information (SDS)

Items included in the kit:

• 4 Balls
• 4 Black Construction Paper Sheets
• 3 Cups
• 1 Masking Tape
• 1 Metal Spring Toy
• 1 Nail
• 1 Box of Paper Clips
• 1 Poly Bag
• 1 Ruler
• 1 Sand
• 1 Spring
• 1 Spring scale
• 1 Straw
• 1 String
• 5 Washers

Other items needed:

• Calculator
• Food coloring (optional)
• Scissors
• Smartphone or tablet with video camera
• Stopwatch or smartphone with timer

• Learning outcome: Learn about the natural patterns of harmonic motion by exploring springs, pendulums, and more. Experiment with cyclical patterns, balanced, and unbalanced forces.
• NGSS science standards alignment
• HS-ESS1-4 Use mathematical or computational representations to predict the motion of orbiting objects in the solar system.