Fluency Builder: Motion

This Fluency Builder includes pictures, diagrams, and definitions of the following vocabulary terms associated with Motion: Balanced, Unbalanced, Vector, Net Force, Force, Friction, Slope, Acceleration, Distance, Speed, Reference Point, and Displacement.

Fluency Builders are fun, quick, and most importantly, motivate students to set and achieve personal goals.

Often used for math, I utilize Fluency Builders to develop fluency in the academic language of science as a quick starter or closer in class. In this fast paced review activity, students are given a 5x5 grid of definitions, pictures, formulas, or diagrams. The associated vocabulary terms are in a complementary 5x5 grid on the backside of the paper. The fluency builders are placed in a sheet protector and students are given dry erase markers. The students have one minute to write the appropriate vocabulary terms over each box containing a definition, picture, etc. After one minute, students flip the fluency builder over in the sheet protector and self-correct using the complementary grid. Students give themselves one positive point for every correct box and one negative point for every incorrect box. I tell my students:

Fluency = Speed + Accuracy – Mistakes

Students keep track of their progress on a Performance Tracking Sheet (included with the Fluency Builder), giving them a daily visual of their progress.