Grade Levels: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

This lesson accompanies the BrainPOP topic Newton’s Laws of Motion, and supports the standard of interpreting and applying Newton’s three laws of motion. Students demonstrate understanding through a variety of creative projects.

Step 1: ACTIVATE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

Place a ball on a surface where it has space to roll. Ask:

  • What are some ways we can make the ball move?
  • What will happen when I push the ball?
  • What if I push it even harder?
  • What will cause the ball to stop rolling?

Push the ball so it rolls and then comes to a stop. Ask:

  • What forces acted on the ball?
  • What can we determine about how forces act upon objects based on what you’ve observed?

Step 2: BUILD BACKGROUND

  • Read aloud the description below the Movie player.
  • Play the Movie, pausing to check for understanding.
  • Have students read one of the following Related Reading articles: “Theory,” or “Way Back When.” Partner them with someone who read a different article to share what they learned with each other.

Step 3: APPLY
Students synthesize their ideas and express them through one or more of the following creative projects. They can work individually or collaborate. 

  • Make-a-Movie: Choose a real-world example that showcases any of Newton’s laws of motion and document how it is applied. 
  • Make-a-Map: Create a concept map identifying all of the forces at play when you are in a car and someone slams on the brakes. 
  • Creative Coding: Code a sorting game where students sort examples of the three laws of motion.

Step 4: REFLECT & ASSESS 

  • Reflect: After sharing creative projects with each other, students reflect on what they’ve learned about Newton’s Laws of Motion. Prompt them by asking questions such as: 
    • When do we see Newton’s first law of motion in the real world?
    • When do we see Newton’s second law of motion in the real world?
    • When do we see Newton’s third law of motion in the real world?
  • Assess: Wrap up the lesson with a Newton’s Laws of Motion Challenge.

Step 5: EXTEND LEARNING

Continue exploring energy concepts with BrainPOP’s Forces Movie

Energize learning with BrainPOP’s Energy Skate Park Game.

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