Exploring Newton’s First Law: Inertia
In Part A, students carry out an investigation to determine what will happen to an object in a circular track and are informally introduced to the concept of forces. Students predict, then observe the direction a marble rolls when a section of the track is removed, and develop an argument to explain their observations. They also investigate whether changing the mass of the marble affects its path. Part B is a short reading on Newton’s First Law of Motion.
Details at a Glance
- 2-3 Days | 2-3 ~50 minute class periods
- 2 Activities
- Accommodates unlimited classes, each with 6 groups of 4 students
- Meets our criteria for supporting literacy
- All materials are non-consumable
- Includes digital resources
- Developed in partnership with SEPUP
Scientific Concepts
Disciplinary Core Ideas
•MS-PS2.A Forces and Motion
Science and Engineering Practices
•Engaging in Argument from Evidence
•Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
•Analyzing and Interpreting Data
•Connections to Nature of Science: Scientific Knowledge Is Based on Empirical Knowledge
Crosscutting Concepts
•Stability and Change
•Cause and Effect
Guides & Student Sheets
Our kits and modules provide you with everything you need so you can open, review, and teach the material confidently the next day.
- Full downloadable Teacher Guide with background information, detailed instruction, example data and answers
- Downloadable Student Sheets with age appropriate background information, full procedure(s), and analysis questions
- All materials necessary to carry out the investigation
- Safety Data Sheets
Kit Components
- 1 Teacher’s Guide
- 28 Student Worksheets and Guides - Parts 1 and 2
- 6 Roundabout tracks, LAB-AIDS®
- 6 Glass marbles
- 6 Metal marbles
- 6 Miniature road cones
- 1 Transparency: Inertia Diagrams
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