Forces and Newton's Laws Learning Activities

This zip file contains several activities (23 pages of student handouts and 1 PowerPoint with a total of 17 slides) which can be used to compose a unit for physics students involving topics involving Newton's Three Laws of Motion.. Topics in this unit include static and dynamic equilibrium, inertia, weight, Newton's laws including examples and calculations, as well as other concept. 

A Newton's First and Second law simulation lab activity is contained within this package. No specialized materials are required for this activity. 

These materials may be used in Physics or advanced Physical Science classes. Knowledge of calculus is not required to complete the included activities. The components in this unit correlate to NGSS Standard HS-PS 2.1. The NGSS Standard, Common Core Standards and learning objectives addressed are indicated at the end of this description. 

The components of this lesson package can easily be displayed to students using and LCD projector and may be readily modified into formats facilitating smartboard technology. 

All documents except for the PowerPoint are included in both word as well as pdf format to allow editing for specific teacher needs. All answer keys are included. The specific contents of the learning package includes the following items (the page count for these items are actual student handouts as answer key page counts are not included): 

• Forces and Newton Laws Scaffolded Notes (6 pp.)
• PowerPoint to accompany the Scaffolded Notes (17 slides)
• Forces and Applications of Newton's Laws Worksheet (54 completion, multiple choice and short answer questions) (7 pp.)
• Newton's Laws Lab Simulation Activity (5 pp.)
• Newton's Law quiz (33 questions) (5 pp.)
• NGSS, Common Core and Local Learning Standards/Objectives (2 pp.) 

Learning Standards and Objectives 

NGSS Standards

HS-PS2-1. Analyze data to support the claim that Newton’s Second Law of Motion describes the mathematical relationship among the net force on a macroscopic object, its mass, and its acceleration.

Common Core State Connections 

ELA/Literacy

RST.11-12.7 Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., quantitative data, video, multimedia) in order to address a question or solve a problem.

WHST.9-12.9 Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. 

Mathematics 

MP.2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively.

MP.4 Model with mathematics.

HSN-Q.A.1 Use units as a way to understand problems and to guide the solution of multi-step problems; choose and interpret units consistently in formulas; choose and interpret the scale and the origin in graphs and data displays

HSN-Q.A.2 Define appropriate quantities for the purpose of descriptive modeling.

HSN-Q.A.3 Choose a level of accuracy appropriate to limitations on measurement when reporting quantities.

HSA-SSE.A.1 Interpret expressions that represent a quantity in terms of its context.

HSA-SSE.B.3 Choose and produce an equivalent form of an expression to reveal and explain properties of the quantity represented by the expression.

HSA-CED.A.1 Create equations and inequalities in one variable and use them to solve problems.

HSA-CED.A.2 Create equations in two or more variables to represent relationships between quantities; graph equations on coordinate axes with labels and scales.

HSA-CED.A.4 Rearrange formulas to highlight a quantity of interest, using the same reasoning as in solving equations.

HSF-IF.C.7 Graph functions expressed symbolically and show key features of the graph, by in hand in simple cases and using technology for more complicated cases.

HSS-ID.A.1 Represent data with plots on the real number line (dot plots, histograms, and box plots). 

Learning Objectives 

Upon the completion of this unit the student will be able to: 

1. define the term static equilibrium.
2. define the term dynamic equilibrium.
3. recognize that objects at equilibrium to not have acceleration.
4. discuss and list examples of Newton's first law.
5. explain what is meant by an unbalanced force.
6. recognize the unbalanced forces produce changes in an object's velocity.
7. define the term inertia.
8. recognize the inertia of an object is independent of its speed or velocity.
9. recognize the inertia of an object is directly proportional to its mass.
10. define the term mass.
11. recognize the kilogram is the fundamental SI unit of mass.
12. explain Newton's second law.
13. perform calculations involving Newton's second law.
14. explain and list examples of Newton's third law.
15. define the term weight.
16. perform calculations involving the equation w=mg.

Terms of Use

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