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

LessonPrint · 3-PS2-2 · Set 11 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Using a Pattern to Predict

Set 11. Prints on its own sheet.

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

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.