Newton’s First Law Activity: Graphing Inertia

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Use a real-world example to support understanding of Newton’s First Law of Motion and inertia. Students GRAPH car speed versus braking distance, complete a C-E-R, and answer analysis questions.

PRINT AND DIGITAL VERSIONS INCLUDED!

Assign this in THREE WAYS:

• PAPER-BASED WITH INTERNET ACCESS: Students use a free and easy-to-access online calculator (provided) to enter car speeds and obtain braking distance data.
• PAPER ONLY: Students are provided data about speed and car braking distance.
• GOOGLE SLIDES: A link is provided to complete this actively entirely within Google Classroom.

In all three versions, students:

• Graph the data
• Answer analysis questions
• Complete a “claims-evidence-reasoning” question regarding inertia
• Complete a “going further” section related to seatbelt use

Related NGSS Standards:

• MS-PS2-1 and MS-PS2-2
• NGSS Science & Engineering Practices: Analyzing and interpreting data; Using mathematics and computational thinking; Engaging in argument from evidence

Teacher Notes:

• INCLUDES ANSWER KEY.
• Please note that this Newton’s First Law Activity is not editable.
• Check out more resources in the motion and Newton’s laws section of our shop!