K-6 Science for the Next Generation

Lesson Plans
First Law of Motion

Learning Objectives

  • Understand and explain Newton's first law of motion and the concept of inertia.
  • Describe how an object's mass affects its inertia and resistance to changes in motion.
  • Identify examples of inertia in everyday situations, such as riding in a car or pushing a shopping trolley.
  • Explore the motion of objects in space and how they demonstrate Newton's first law of motion.

Introduction and Hook

Begin the lesson by introducing Newton's First Law of Motion. Use relatable examples such as sitting in a car at a red light and the effects of inertia when the car starts moving.

Go to the Lesson

Engage students with a discussion on everyday examples of inertia, such as riding in a car or pushing a shopping trolley.

Direct Instruction

Explain Newton's First Law of Motion and the concept of inertia using detailed examples. Discuss how an object's mass affects its inertia and resistance to changes in motion.

Use the video 'Forces in Action on the Football Field – Quiz Edition' to demonstrate how unbalanced forces affect motion, providing a practical understanding of Newton's First Law.

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Guided Exploration

Explore the motion of objects in space and how they demonstrate Newton's First Law of Motion. Discuss the example of the NASA space probe Voyager 1.

Watch the video 'Forces and Motion – Magnitude and Direction' to understand how different forces affect the movement of objects.

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Hands-On Activity

Conduct a hands-on activity where students use a crash test dummy model to observe the effects of inertia and motion.

Use the 'Crash Test Egg Challenge' assessment to apply Newton's laws of motion in a practical scenario.

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Independent Practice

Have students identify examples of inertia in their daily lives and document them in a journal.

Assign the 'Newton’s Laws of Motion' worksheet to reinforce the understanding of inertia through a hands-on activity.

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Check for Understanding

Conduct a class discussion to check for understanding of Newton's First Law of Motion and the concept of inertia.

Use the 'Balanced and Unbalanced Forces' assessment to evaluate students' comprehension of force interactions.

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Review and Reflection

Review key concepts of Newton's First Law of Motion and inertia with the class.

Encourage students to reflect on how their understanding of motion and forces has changed through a reflective journal entry.

Assessment and Extension

Administer the 'Forces and Motion' assessment to evaluate students' understanding of the lesson's key concepts.

Try the Quiz
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For extension, have students explore the concept of inertia in space by researching the Voyager 1 mission and presenting their findings.

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