Exploring Newton’s First Law: Inertia (Developed by SEPUP) Kit #351S

Using the specially-designed LAB-AIDS®/SEPUP track, students investigate inertia by observing a marble’s motion. They observe a marble in motion around a circular track then predict what path it will follow when a section of the track is removed, allowing the marble to roll unconstrained across the table top. They discover that once the marble leaves the confines of the track, it moves in a straight line path. Students also investigate how changing the mass of the marble affects the motion of the marble on the track. In Part 2 they complete a reading about inertia and Newton’s first law of motion.

 

An object that is not being subject to a force will continue to move at a constant speed in a straight line Friction is a force that causes changes in the speed of an object’s motion Scientific explanations emphasize evidence, have logically consistent arguments, and use scientific principles, models, and theories

1	Teacher’s Guide
28	Student Worksheets and Guides - Parts 1 and 2
6	Roundabout tracks, LAB-AIDS®
6	Glass marbles
6	Metal marbles
6	Miniature road cones
1	Transparency: Inertia Diagrams

Number of students 24

Number of groups Maximum 6 groups per period