Newton's Laws of Motion: Presentation Project
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we apply Newton's Laws of Motion to design and predict the movement of a real-world object or system, and what impact do these laws have on other physics concepts like energy and momentum?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How do Newton's Laws of Motion explain the movement of objects in everyday life?
- How can we use Newton's Laws to predict the motion of objects?
- What are the real-world applications of Newton's Laws of Motion?
- How do Newton's Laws relate to other concepts in physics, such as energy and momentum?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand and explain Newton's three laws of motion.
- Apply Newton's laws to predict the motion of objects.
- Relate Newton's laws to real-world applications.
- Connect Newton's laws to energy and momentum.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to students"Newton's Laws Mythbusters"
Students watch a series of short video clips depicting common misconceptions about Newton's Laws in action (e.g., a dropped object falling straight down in a moving car). Groups then select a myth to 'bust' by designing and conducting an experiment to disprove it, filming their process and explaining the physics.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Newton's First Law: Inertia in Action
Students will investigate and demonstrate Newton's First Law (the law of inertia) through experiments and real-world examples.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA video presentation explaining Newton's First Law with a demonstration and real-world application.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsUnderstand and explain Newton's three laws of motion. Relate Newton's laws to real-world applications.Newton's Second Law: Force and Acceleration Analysis
Students will explore Newton's Second Law (F=ma) by analyzing the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration through simulations and calculations.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA lab report detailing the simulation experiments, calculations, and graphical analysis of Newton's Second Law.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsUnderstand and explain Newton's three laws of motion. Apply Newton's laws to predict the motion of objects.Newton's Third Law: Action-Reaction Investigation
Students will investigate Newton's Third Law (action-reaction) through hands-on activities and analyze its implications in various scenarios.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation that includes experimental results, data analysis, and explanations of real-world applications of Newton's Third Law.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsUnderstand and explain Newton's three laws of motion. Relate Newton's laws to real-world applications.Newton's Laws in Concert: Predicting Motion
Students will combine their understanding of all three of Newton's Laws to predict the motion of a complex system.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive report detailing the analysis, calculations, predictions, and comparison with observed motion of the chosen system.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsApply Newton's laws to predict the motion of objects. Connect Newton's laws to energy and momentum.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioNewton's Laws Portfolio Rubric - 11th Grade Physics
Conceptual Understanding
Demonstrates comprehension of Newton's Laws and related concepts.Accuracy of Explanations
Explains Newton's Laws of Motion accurately, including definitions, principles, and relationships between force, mass, and acceleration.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a thorough and accurate explanation of Newton's Laws, demonstrating a deep understanding of the underlying physics principles. Explanations are clear, concise, and use appropriate scientific terminology.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides an accurate explanation of Newton's Laws, demonstrating a good understanding of the physics principles. Explanations are generally clear and use appropriate scientific terminology.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a partially accurate explanation of Newton's Laws, demonstrating some understanding of the physics principles. Explanations may be unclear or lack sufficient detail.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides an inaccurate or incomplete explanation of Newton's Laws, demonstrating a limited understanding of the physics principles. Explanations are unclear and lack scientific terminology.
Application to Examples
Applies Newton's Laws correctly to explain and predict the motion of objects in various scenarios.
Exemplary
4 PointsConsistently and accurately applies Newton's Laws to explain and predict motion in complex scenarios, demonstrating an ability to transfer knowledge to new situations.
Proficient
3 PointsAccurately applies Newton's Laws to explain and predict motion in most scenarios, demonstrating a solid understanding of the application of the laws.
Developing
2 PointsApplies Newton's Laws with some accuracy to explain and predict motion in simple scenarios, demonstrating a basic understanding of the application of the laws.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to apply Newton's Laws to explain and predict motion, demonstrating a limited understanding of the application of the laws.
Experimental Design and Data Analysis
Demonstrates proficiency in designing experiments, collecting data, and analyzing results related to Newton's Laws.Experimental Design
Designs well-controlled experiments to test Newton's Laws, identifying variables and controlling for confounding factors.
Exemplary
4 PointsDesigns a highly effective and well-controlled experiment that clearly demonstrates Newton's Laws. The experimental design is innovative and considers potential sources of error.
Proficient
3 PointsDesigns a well-controlled experiment that effectively demonstrates Newton's Laws. The experimental design is sound and identifies key variables.
Developing
2 PointsDesigns an experiment that partially demonstrates Newton's Laws, but may have some flaws in the control of variables or the experimental design.
Beginning
1 PointsDesigns an experiment that is poorly controlled and does not effectively demonstrate Newton's Laws. The experimental design has significant flaws.
Data Collection and Analysis
Collects accurate data and analyzes it appropriately to draw valid conclusions about Newton's Laws.
Exemplary
4 PointsCollects highly accurate and precise data and analyzes it effectively using appropriate methods to draw valid and insightful conclusions about Newton's Laws. Data is presented clearly and effectively.
Proficient
3 PointsCollects accurate data and analyzes it appropriately to draw valid conclusions about Newton's Laws. Data is presented clearly.
Developing
2 PointsCollects data with some inaccuracies and analyzes it with some limitations, leading to partially valid conclusions about Newton's Laws. Data presentation may be unclear.
Beginning
1 PointsCollects inaccurate data and analyzes it inappropriately, leading to invalid conclusions about Newton's Laws. Data is poorly presented or missing.
Real-World Applications
Connects Newton's Laws to real-world phenomena and technological applications.Relevance of Examples
Selects relevant and compelling real-world examples that illustrate the application of Newton's Laws.
Exemplary
4 PointsSelects highly relevant and compelling real-world examples that provide a deep understanding of the practical applications of Newton's Laws. The connection between the laws and the examples is clearly explained.
Proficient
3 PointsSelects relevant real-world examples that illustrate the application of Newton's Laws. The connection between the laws and the examples is explained.
Developing
2 PointsSelects real-world examples that are somewhat relevant to Newton's Laws, but the connection may be weak or unclear.
Beginning
1 PointsSelects real-world examples that are not relevant to Newton's Laws, or the connection is not explained.
Explanation of Applications
Explains how Newton's Laws govern the behavior of the selected real-world examples.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a sophisticated and insightful explanation of how Newton's Laws govern the behavior of the selected real-world examples, demonstrating a deep understanding of the underlying physics principles.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a clear and accurate explanation of how Newton's Laws govern the behavior of the selected real-world examples.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a partially accurate explanation of how Newton's Laws govern the behavior of the selected real-world examples, but may lack detail or clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides an inaccurate or incomplete explanation of how Newton's Laws govern the behavior of the selected real-world examples.
Presentation and Communication
Effectively communicates findings through clear and organized presentations, reports, or videos.Clarity and Organization
Presents information in a clear, logical, and organized manner, using appropriate visuals and multimedia elements.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents information in a highly clear, logical, and engaging manner, using sophisticated visuals and multimedia elements to enhance understanding. The presentation is well-structured and easy to follow.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents information in a clear, logical, and organized manner, using appropriate visuals and multimedia elements. The presentation is well-structured and easy to follow.
Developing
2 PointsPresents information in a somewhat clear and organized manner, but may lack logical flow or have some confusing elements. Visuals and multimedia elements may be limited or ineffective.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents information in a disorganized and confusing manner, lacking clear visuals and multimedia elements. The presentation is difficult to follow.
Scientific Communication
Uses appropriate scientific language and terminology to explain concepts and present findings.
Exemplary
4 PointsUses precise and sophisticated scientific language and terminology to explain concepts and present findings in a manner that is both accurate and engaging. Demonstrates a mastery of scientific communication.
Proficient
3 PointsUses appropriate scientific language and terminology to explain concepts and present findings accurately.
Developing
2 PointsUses scientific language and terminology with some inaccuracies or limitations, affecting the clarity of the explanation.
Beginning
1 PointsUses inappropriate or inaccurate scientific language and terminology, hindering the understanding of the concepts.