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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 22 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.About 9 swings
  • B.About 20 swings
  • C.It cannot be predicted
2.One try gives 9 swings. Is that enough to predict?
  • A.No, because one try might be unusual
  • B.Yes, one is enough
  • C.No, you need a hundred
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.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
5.Your four tries give 9, 9, 10, 9. What makes the prediction trustworthy?
  • A.The four tries agree closely with each other
  • B.They are all different
  • C.One try was 10
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.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
8.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

LessonPrint · 3-PS2-2 · Set 22 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Using a Pattern to Predict

Set 22. Prints on its own sheet.

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

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.