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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 19 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.A pendulum gives 9, 9, 10, 9 swings in ten seconds. What do you predict next?
  • A.It cannot be predicted
  • B.About 9 swings
  • C.About 20 swings
2.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
3.A marble takes 3 seconds down a ramp four times running. What do you predict?
  • A.It will not roll
  • B.6 seconds
  • C.About 3 seconds on the fifth run
4.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.Longer string always means more swings
  • C.Nothing is wrong
5.Why can a repeated pattern be used to predict?
  • A.Patterns are always exact
  • B.The same set-up gives about the same result each time
  • C.Predictions are guesses
6.What would make you stop trusting a motion pattern?
  • A.Results that stop agreeing with each other
  • B.Writing them down
  • C.Doing more tries
7.Your four tries give 9, 9, 10, 9. What makes the prediction trustworthy?
  • A.They are all different
  • B.One try was 10
  • C.The four tries agree closely with each other
8.A swing takes the same time whether pushed hard or gently. What can you predict?
  • A.It will stop swinging
  • B.It will take that time on the next push too
  • C.A hard push will be quicker

LessonPrint · 3-PS2-2 · Set 19 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Using a Pattern to Predict

Set 19. Prints on its own sheet.

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

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.