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Using a Pattern to Predict is a free printable Grade 3 science worksheet on using a pattern in motion to predict future motion, aligned to Common Core standard 3-PS2-2. It prints 8 questions with an answer key on its own sheet of paper, in 25 versions that each ask different questions, so no two pupils in the class work from the same page. Print it from the browser or download it as a PDF — no account, no email.

Set 10 of 25 · the same problems every time you open this link.

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Set 1 has all 25 in a single PDF. All 25 sets ask different questions.

Using a Pattern to Predict

3-PS2-2

NameDate

Circle the best answer.

1.Your four tries give 9, 9, 10, 9. What makes the prediction trustworthy?
  • A.One try was 10
  • B.They are all different
  • C.The four tries agree closely with each other
2.Why can a repeated pattern be used to predict?
  • A.Predictions are guesses
  • B.Patterns are always exact
  • C.The same set-up gives about the same result each time
3.Someone lengthens the string and predicts 9 swings again. What is wrong?
  • A.The set-up changed, so the old pattern may not hold
  • B.Nothing is wrong
  • C.Longer string always means more swings
4.A swing takes the same time whether pushed hard or gently. What can you predict?
  • A.It will take that time on the next push too
  • B.A hard push will be quicker
  • C.It will stop swinging
5.One try gives 9 swings. Is that enough to predict?
  • A.Yes, one is enough
  • B.No, because one try might be unusual
  • C.No, you need a hundred
6.What would make you stop trusting a motion pattern?
  • A.Doing more tries
  • B.Writing them down
  • C.Results that stop agreeing with each other
7.A marble takes 3 seconds down a ramp four times running. What do you predict?
  • A.6 seconds
  • B.About 3 seconds on the fifth run
  • C.It will not roll
8.A pendulum gives 9, 9, 10, 9 swings in ten seconds. What do you predict next?
  • A.About 9 swings
  • B.About 20 swings
  • C.It cannot be predicted

LessonPrint · 3-PS2-2 · Set 10 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Using a Pattern to Predict

Set 10. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.The four tries agree closely with each other
  2. 2.The same set-up gives about the same result each time
  3. 3.The set-up changed, so the old pattern may not hold
  4. 4.It will take that time on the next push too
  5. 5.No, because one try might be unusual
  6. 6.Results that stop agreeing with each other
  7. 7.About 3 seconds on the fifth run
  8. 8.About 9 swings

More practice for 3-PS2-2

Use a pattern in an object's motion to predict where it goes next.

Teaching this next? Using a Pattern to Predict is the 55-minute plan for it, with the misconceptions to expect.

All Grade 3 worksheets

Last reviewed 2026-09-05. Aligned to 3-PS2-2 of the Next Generation Science Standards.