Lesson Objectives
Students will be able to:
Identify which of Newton's Laws is being represented
Give an example of a scenario that represents one of the three laws
State each of Newton's Three Laws of Motion
Length
60-100 minutes
Materials
Science notebook
Access to Newton's Three Laws of Motion Lesson for Kids for each student
Signs that say station 1 through station 7
Material list for each station is included with station directions
Curriculum Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.3
Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or
performing technical tasks.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.4
Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as
they are used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to grades 6-8 texts and topics.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.9
Compare and contrast the information gained from experiments, simulations, video, or multimedia
sources with that gained from reading a text on the same topic.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.10
By the end of grade 8, read and comprehend science/technical texts in the grades 6-8-text
complexity band independently and proficiently.
Instructions
In this lesson plan, students will do the following:
o Briefly discuss what they know about Isaac Newton
o Read about Newton's Three Laws of Motion
o Complete stations that show each of Newton's Three Laws of Motion
o Discuss which law was represented at each station
o Complete a quiz
Begin by asking students if they've ever heard of Isaac Newton. On the board, write down
everything the students already know about him. Both incorrect and correct Newton facts can
be added.
Spend a few minutes talking about Isaac Newton (crossing off the incorrect Isaac Newton
facts) and then have students read the lesson Newton's Three Laws of Motion Lesson for
Kids. Students should jot down notes about each of the three laws in their science notebook.
Spend a few additional minutes going over each law before students begin the station
activity, giving an example of an everyday occurrence that represents the law.
Activity
Students will work in groups of 2-3 and will do the following at each station:
o Complete the task
o Write observations in their science journal
o Make a prediction about which law is being depicted
o Clean up/set up for the next group
o Rotate when the teacher indicates
After the stations have been completed, the teacher can ask for a consensus for each station
(which law was being shown). The class can discuss clues they looked for that helped them
make each decision. See 'discussion questions' for further topics to be discussed after the
stations have been completed.
The following class period, give students the Quiz to check for understanding
These stations can also be completed as demonstrations for younger grade levels.
Station 1: Balloon on a String
Materials
Seven balloons (one/group)
A string, which is taped to two points in the room
A straw, which the string is fed through
Tape
Directions
Tape the balloon to the straw
Blow up the balloon (do not tie it)
Release the balloon
Throw away the balloon
Teacher Notes: the balloon should travel along the string. This represents Newton's Third Law.
Station 2: Spilled Water
Materials
A cup
Water
Towel
Directions
Fill a cup of water to the brim
Begin walking down the hall, make a turn, and then stop abruptly
Clean up the spilled water with the towel
Teacher Notes: water should spill at various points in the course due to inertia. This represents
Newton's First Law
Station 3: Accident
Materials
A toy car, which can fit a 'rider'
Some sort of rider (doll, Barbie, GI Joe)
A ramp (books, a piece of wood)
Something at the end of the ramp that will stop the car abruptly (book)
Directions
Release the car and rider down the ramp
Repeat, this time placing an obstacle in the way so the car comes to an abrupt stop
Teacher Notes: The doll should fly out, representing Newton's First Law
