Newton's Second Law of Motion

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

Science

Grade(s)

8

Overview

This learning activity will allow students to observe real-world examples of Newton's Second Law of Motion through a video clip. After the video and class discussion of the video, students will work with a partner to create a list of other real-world examples of Newton's Second Law of Motion.

This activity is a result of the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

Phase

Before/Engage
Science (2015) Grade(s): 8

SC15.8.9

Use Newton’s second law to demonstrate and explain how changes in an object’s motion depend on the sum of the external forces on the object and the mass of the object (e.g., billiard balls moving when hit with a cue stick).

UP:SC15.8.9

Vocabulary

  • Sir Isaac Newton
  • Newton's Second Law of Motion
  • Mass
  • Acceleration
  • Potential energy
  • Kinetic energy
  • Force
  • External force
  • Sum
  • Motion

Knowledge

Students know:
  • The acceleration of an object is determined by the sum of the forces acting on it; if the total force on the object is not zero, its motion will change.
  • The greater the mass of the object, the greater the force needed to achieve the same change in motion.
  • For any given object, a larger force causes a larger change in motion. Force = mass x acceleration; F=ma.

Skills

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

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Newton's Second Law states that changes in an object's motion depends on the sum of the external forces on the object and the mass of the object.

Scientific and Engineering Practices

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Crosscutting Concepts

Stability and Change

Learning Objectives

I can:

  • Explain Newton's Second Law of Motion and give real-world examples.

Activity Details

  • (Teacher will display teacher created "Newton's Second Law of Motion" on chart paper.)

  • Play video for the whole group. 

  • During/After the video, the teacher will lead the class in a whole group discussion about the video making sure to discuss the real-world examples of Newton's Second Law of Motion. The teacher will add real-world examples from the video to the chart.
  • The teacher will partner students and will pass out a sticky note to each group.
  • The teacher will challenge groups to come up with at least two other real-world examples of Newton's Second Law of Motion.
  • The teacher will call on groups to share their real-world examples and add them to the chart. (This chart will be hung in the classroom for students to refer back to throughout this unit.)

 

Assessment Strategies

The students will be assessed by classroom observation during this introductory activity. The teacher will float around as student groups meet/collaborate on real-world examples and will take note of any students struggling with Newton's Second Law. This will help to differentiate future lessons.

Background / Preparation

  • Create a chart titled “Newton's Second Law of Motion."
  • Ensure that your school has not blocked the video.
  • Have sticky notes available for the lesson. (2 per partner group)
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