Newton's First Law of Motion

This quick article does a nice job with a simple explanation of Newton's First Law of Motion. He then goes on to describe three activities to illustrate inertia. I would add to the tablecl... See More

This quick article does a nice job with a simple explanation of Newton's First Law of Motion. He then goes on to describe three activities to illustrate inertia. I would add to the tablecloth trick that not only do you pull quickly but should do so with a downward and outward motion at the same time.

It is Just a Trick or Not?

This activity sheets provides two activities children can do at home with their parents. Both activities demonstrate Newton’s First Law of Motion. The first page of this activity describes... See More

This activity sheets provides two activities children can do at home with their parents. Both activities demonstrate Newton’s First Law of Motion. The first page of this activity describes this law and explains its application to seat belts and a traditional magic trick. Students are provided information and procedure to a Soda Bottle Magic Trick and the Coin Challenge. Both of these activities demonstrate this law of motion. This should provide family fun and learning.

Explore at Home

This article gives students activities to do at home that further explore inertia. By students bringing these activities home, it allows them to show their parents what they have learned an... See More

This article gives students activities to do at home that further explore inertia. By students bringing these activities home, it allows them to show their parents what they have learned and to explore further. I think it is a great way to involve parents in ways other than basic homework. This can help build a deeper understanding and a curiosity for learning. It gives a simple explanation and suggests further thinking. As mentioned in a reader review of the article, there is a safety concern of children using knives without supervision in the second activity. A simple solution is just to change the knife to a ruler in order to conduct the experiment.

Newton at Home

I like the idea of having students try activities at home. The first activity would also make a great in class demonstration on inertia. However, I do not like the idea of having student u... See More

I like the idea of having students try activities at home. The first activity would also make a great in class demonstration on inertia. However, I do not like the idea of having student using knives – plastic or otherwise – unsupervised. And if we are sending the activities home, then we really cannot tell if the student will be supervised during the activity. At home assignments need to be do-able and safe without adult supervision. There are a great many fun and safe activities students can do to demonstrate inertia – the second activity discussed in this article is not safe. After completing the first activity, I would recommend having students design their own inertia demonstration. I would also insist on safety rules and guidelines being in place prior to assigning and student completion of the activity.