Newton's First Law: Inertia StudyJam

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Subject Area

Science

Grade(s)

8

Overview

Inertia means that an object in motion will stay in motion in the same direction, or will stay at rest, unless another force acts upon it. For an object to change direction or stop moving, something has to overcome inertia.

The classroom resource provides a video that will explain Newton's First Law of Motion. This resource can provide background information for students before they conduct their own demonstrations. There is also a short test that can be used to assess students' understanding.

Science (2015) Grade(s): 8

SC15.8.8

Use Newton’s first law to demonstrate and explain that an object is either at rest or moves at a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force (e.g., model car on a table remaining at rest until pushed).

UP:SC15.8.8

Vocabulary

  • Sir Isaac Newton
  • Newton's First Law of Motion
  • Constant velocity
  • Balanced force
  • Unbalanced force
  • External force
  • Rest
  • Motion
  • Inertia

Knowledge

Students know:
  • An object at rest remains at rest unless acted on by an external force.
  • An object in motion remains in motion unless acted upon by an external force.
  • Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist a change in motion.
  • An object subjected to balanced forces does not change its motion.
  • An object subjected to unbalanced forces changes its motion over time.
  • Constant velocity indicates that an object is moving in a straight line at a constant speed.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Demonstrate Newton's first law.
  • Articulate a statement that relates a given phenomenon to a scientific idea, including Newton's first law and the motion of an object.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Newton's First Law states that an object at rest remains at rest unless acted upon by an external force.
  • Newton's First Law states that an object at in motion remains in motion at a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force.

Scientific and Engineering Practices

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Crosscutting Concepts

Cause and Effect

CR Resource Type

Audio/Video

Resource Provider

http://studyjams.scholastic.com/

License Type

Custom
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