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Newtons Laws Of Motion Activities For Middle School: Ideas For First Law, Second Law, Third Law, Inertia, Motion, And Momentum

February 14, 2024 //  by  Cassie Caroll

There is no better way to teach your middle schooler about the laws of motion than by putting their knowledge into action. While Newton’s laws may seem a bit foreign to your learner at first, we found some of the best hands-on activities to help your student better understand these concepts. An object in motion stays in motion, and we hope these experiments will keep your learner learning! With some common objects and an inquisitive mind, we’ve found these exercises both engaging and enlightening!

Newton’s First Law Activities

1. ball bounce experiment.

One way to demonstrate Newton’s first law is by observing a ball in motion. Head to your garage and grab any type of ball you can find — a basketball, tennis ball, bouncy ball — the more varied the better. Then, have your student execute this activity to observe the different ways an object in motion reacts to outside forces. Consider keeping track of hypotheses and observations in a notebook!

Learn More: Metro Family Magazine

2. Inertia Demonstration

While inertia is a simple concept on the surface, putting the idea into action makes it much more accessible as the laws get more complex. This inertia demonstration allows your student to become the force that disrupts an inert object, plus it can quickly become a favorite “magic trick.”

Learn More: Science Sparks

3. Marble Maze

An object in motion stays in motion, and one way to manipulate the way in which an object moves is by constructing a marble maze. We like how easy this activity is to differentiate depending on your student’s level of understanding.

Learn More: Instructables

4. Inertia Hat

Do you know those pesky wire hangers that never seem to stay intact? Put them to good use with this inertia hat activity! Follow along with this video to experiment with the intricacies of inertia  and to give you and your student permission to get a little silly.

Learn More: Youtube

5. Quarter Catch

This activity will only cost 25 cents! The quarter catch is another experiment that may become a favorite party trick. Your student will place a quarter on their elbow and practice moving quickly enough to catch it before it falls, demonstrating inertia.

Learn More: Science Fun

6. Bernoulli’s Activity

Although this activity is based on Bernoulli’s principle, it has a direct correlation to Newton’s first law. Ask your student to figure out what happens when the force of their breath is applied to the ping pong ball and then when it is taken away. This is a great closure activity that quickly demonstrates the concept while making it fun!

Learn More: 123 Homeschool 4 Me

7. Whack-a-Stack

Like a quick game of Jenga, the whack-a-stack activity gives your student yet another example of Newton’s first law. All you need is a small stack of blocks or similar objects and a pipe-like instrument to conduct this experiment.

Learn More: Exploratorium

Newton’s Second Law Activities

8. marshmallow puff tube.

To explore acceleration and unbalanced forces, grab a marshmallow, some flour, a file folder, and a bit of tape. We love that this can be a very simple demonstration of Newton’s second law or be pushed even further to explore acceleration and friction.

9. Egg Bungee

To conceptualize different types of energy at play, have your student try this egg bungee experiment. You can use a range of materials to look at the roles of potential and kinetic energy, but don’t forget the paper towels for a swift clean up!

Learn More: Museum of Science+Industry Chicago

10. Crater Experiment

This crater experiment creates an excellent visual for Newton’s second law. The craters created by various items will help you demonstrate how mass and acceleration factor into an object’s force. This is another activity that will require some minor cleanup, but placing a towel underneath your experiment area can help.

11. Build a Projectile

Have your student learn about stored energy while creating a new toy  and recycling! This projectile activity is fun and informative and can be done using common household objects. Be sure to check out more instructions in the link.

Learn more: Arvin D. Gupta Toys

Newton’s Third Law Activities

12. popping canisters.

We love this Alka-Seltzer activity! With a little prep, this experiment can be a mess-free, interactive experience with Newton’s third law. This may take a couple of practice rounds, but the demonstration of equal and opposite reactions is well worth the rehearsal.

Learn More: Science Matters

13. Rocket Pinwheel

Bring the action-reaction principle to life with this DIY rocket pinwheel ! Using common household items and a dash of creativity, this rocket pinwheel can quickly become a favorite activity demonstrating Newton’s third law.

Learn More: NASA Teacher’s Resource Center

14. Hero’s Engine

To demonstrate Newton’s third law  and introduce your student to rocketry basics, try this Hero’s Engine activity. This activity can be done using different materials depending on what you have at your disposal. Try this pop can adaptation if you don’t have a plastic cup handy.

Learn More: Wabi 5

15. Marble Momentum 

You can demonstrate Newton’s third law in many different ways using just marbles! This particular marble experiment allows you to differentiate according to your students’ understanding and interest. Keep pushing your experimentation using a different number of marbles or even different sizes, then push it even further by using skateboards described later in these directions.

Learn More: Metro Family

16. Balloon Rocket

With just a string, straw, and latex balloon, your student can experiment with air flow and motion. Take a look at the balloon rocket activity shown at the start of this video. Then, discuss what your student is seeing. Why is it the balloon follows the trajectory they observed? How does air flow affect the balloon’s momentum?

17. DIY Newton’s Cradle

What’s a study of Newton’s law without Newton’s cradle? This super easy DIY Newton’s Cradle allows your student to take ownership over their learning and create a living example of Newton’s third law. There are tons of different ways of building a cradle, but we found this one to be the most user and budget friendly.

Learn More: Babble Dabble Do

More Inertia, Motion, and Momentum Activities

18. tablecloth pull.

Another fun way of experimenting with inertia is by practicing this “magic trick” with your learner. Our advice is to invest in some plasticware for this activity to avoid any broken glass. You may also want to opt for the wax paper alternative described in the post for optimal results.

Learn More: Science World

19. Collision Course

For a quick demonstration of equal and opposite reactions, create this miniature bumper car scenario! Grab two of anything that rolls of equal size. This collision course activity can be done as a brief demo or can be extended to be a more in-depth investigation of Newton’s third law.

Learn More: Science Buddies

20. Baking Soda Powered Boat

Create a baking soda-powered boat in your bathtub or nearby body of water! This experiment allows your learner to look at the different forces at work when their boat takes off.

21. Newton Car

Bring your student’s learning full circle by demonstrating all three of Newton’s laws using Newton’s car lab! This activity takes more time to setup, but the payoff is well worth it.

Learn More: NASA

22. Spinning Marbles

This spinning marbles activity is a great way to first introduce the idea of inertia and then experiment with different types of motion. Of course, be sure to supervise your learner when they use the hot glue!

Learn More: Kids Activities

23. Momentum Machine

Instead of creating a machine, why not become the machine yourself? Have your learner grab a spinning chair and a couple of liter bottles to experiment with momentum. This also creates a great boomerang moment for Instagram!

24. Spaghetti Accelerometer

If your learner is ready to consider acceleration when it comes to the laws of motion, this activity can be an excellent introduction. Although this spaghetti accelerometer requires some power tool work, once the setup is complete, it is a great opportunity to push your learner.

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Newtons Laws Experiments for Kids

Have you ever wondered why a ball keeps rolling until something stops it or why you feel a pushback when you jump? Get ready to explore the wonders of motion with Sir Isaac Newton’s groundbreaking work with Newton’s Laws Experiments !

Newton’s Laws of Motions

Newton’s Laws of Motion are fundamental principles in physics that explain how and why things move. Each law describes a different aspect of motion, showing us the effects of forces on objects, including concepts like velocity, constant speed, and collisions.

💡Explore more physics experiments here .

Newton’s three laws— Inertia (First Law) ,  Force and Acceleration (Second Law) , and  Action and Reaction (Third Law) —apply to everything from a rolling ball to rockets launching into space. Through these fantastic Newton’s Laws experiments, kids will experience science in action! Read more about each law below!

Newton’s Laws Experiments

Explore these hands-on experiments that bring science to life. They’re perfect for budding scientists eager to understand how things move and interact with forces like gravity.

💡Investigate more gravity experiments [here] .

Grade Level Recommendation: These activities are perfect for elementary and middle school students, especially grades 3-6. They make understanding force and motion in physics fun!

💡Look for free printables with most projects! Plus, grab free science journal notebook pages here.👇

Basketball Bounce Experiment

• What to Do:  Drop a basketball with a tennis ball stacked on top of it. Watch the tennis ball bounce higher than usual.
• Science Explanation:  The tennis ball bounces higher because it gains energy from the basketball, demonstrating Newton’s Third Law. The action of the basketball’s bounce results in the reaction of the tennis ball moving upward with extra velocity.

Bottle Rocket

• What to Do:  Use baking soda and vinegar in a bottle to create pressure, then watch as the rocket launches when the cork or cap releases.
• Science Explanation:  The gas produced pushes down, forcing the rocket upward. This action and reaction demonstrate Newton’s Third Law, showing how gas expansion can propel an object in the opposite direction.

Egg Drop Challenge

• What to Do:  Create a container to protect an egg from breaking when dropped. Test the container from a height and observe how it cushions the egg.
• Science Explanation:  This experiment tests Newton’s First Law, as the egg wants to stay in motion when it falls. Using materials to absorb the impact force helps prevent the egg from breaking, demonstrating how force and inertia affect motion. This is similar to how seatbelts protect us during car collisions by absorbing and distributing the force.

Penny Spinner

• What to Do:  Spin a penny on a flat surface and observe how long it stays in motion.
• Science Explanation:  This demonstrates Newton’s First Law. The penny will keep spinning until friction (an external force) slows it down. It’s a simple way to see how objects at rest or in motion behave until acted upon.

Rubber Band Car

• What to Do:  Build a car powered by a stretched rubber band. Release the car and watch it zoom forward.
• Science Explanation:  When stretched, the rubber band stores potential energy. When released, it propels the car forward, demonstrating Newton’s First and Third Laws. The car moves due to the release of energy (First Law), and the pushback of the rubber band creates forward motion (Third Law).

Balloon Rocket

• What to Do:  Attach a balloon to a piece of string and release the air. Watch the balloon zip along the string.
• Science Explanation:  As air escapes the balloon, it pushes backward, causing the balloon to move forward. This action and reaction illustrate Newton’s Third Law.

Try It Challenge: Stack of Coins (Inertia Tower)

• What to Do:  Stack several coins, then flick the bottom one. Watch the coins on top remain stacked.
• Science Explanation:  This hands-on activity demonstrates inertia, showing that an object at rest tends to stay at rest unless acted upon by an external force.

Film Canister Rocket

• What to Do:  Add a little water and an effervescent tablet to a film canister, seal it, and stand back. The pressure builds, eventually popping the canister into the air.
• Science Explanation:  The buildup of gas inside the canister creates pressure. When the lid pops off, the downward force pushes the canister up, demonstrating Newton’s Third Law in a fun and simple way.

💡Investigate more “things that go” experiments here .

What are Newton’s Laws of Motion?

Knowing the basics of the three laws is essential to getting the most out of our Newton’s Laws experiments!

First Law of Motion (Law of Inertia)

The Law:  Objects like to keep doing what they’re doing. If they’re at rest, they stay at rest, and if they’re in motion, they keep moving in a straight line at a constant speed—unless an external force acts on them.

Example Activity: Stack of Coins (Inertia Tower) Stack a few coins or washers on top of each other. Flick the bottom coin out quickly, and observe how the coins on top stay mostly in place. This activity demonstrates the concept of inertia, as the top coins resist the change in motion.

• Science Explanation:  This is inertia in action! The stack stays still until an external force (your flick) acts on the bottom coin. The coins above want to stay at rest, so they remain stacked while the bottom coin is removed. This is a great way to illustrate how an object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion, unless acted on by an external force.

Second Law of Motion (Force and Acceleration)

The Law:  The force needed to move an object depends on its mass and the acceleration it experiences. Heavier objects require more force to move or accelerate.

Example Activity: Popsicle Stick Catapult Build a catapult using craft sticks and rubber bands. Launch marshmallows and see how different levels of force affect the distance traveled. Adjust the angle and magnitude of the applied force to observe changes in motion.

• Science Explanation:  The harder you push, the faster and farther the marshmallow flies. This demonstrates Newton’s Second Law, as adding more force increases acceleration , especially for lighter objects like marshmallows.

Third Law of Motion (Action and Reaction)

The Law:  For every action, there’s an equal and opposite reaction.

Example Activity: Film Canister Rocket Fill a film canister with a bit of water, add an effervescent tablet, and seal it quickly. The reaction builds pressure inside, launching the canister into the air, similar to how an airplane gains lift.

• Science Explanation:  The gas builds pressure inside the canister, and when it releases, the gas pushes downward, propelling the canister upward. This demonstrates Newton’s Third Law, as the action of gas pushing down results in the reaction of the canister moving up.

Why are these Newton’s Laws Experiments important for kids?

Newton’s Laws of Motion are all around us! From riding a bike to playing on a swing, these laws explain why things move the way they do. Kids can see how forces impact our daily lives by understanding and experimenting with these laws.

💡 Encourage your young experimenters to try these activities, observe the outcomes , and consider why they happen. Science is in motion, and it’s all around us every day!

Helpful Science Resources

Here are a few resources to help you introduce science more effectively to your kids or students and feel confident presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.

• Printable Science Project Pack 👇
• Best Science Practices (as it relates to the scientific method)
• Science Vocabulary
• All About Scientists
• Free Science Worksheets
• DIY Science Kits
• Science Tools for Kids
• Scientific Method for Kids
• Citizen Science Guide
• Join us in the Club

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~ projects to try now ~.

9 Engaging Newton's Laws of Motion Project Ideas

As a dedicated physics educator, you have the exciting task of introducing students to the laws of motion established by Sir Isaac Newton. Whether you're a seasoned teacher looking to refresh your curriculum or a newcomer eager for innovative teaching strategies, exploring Newton's Laws of Motion through a mix of hands-on and virtual labs offers a dynamic approach to learning.

We've identified six in-person labs and three virtual labs you can do with your students.

Newton's First Law Project Ideas

Sir Isaac Newton came up with some observations about motion. His First Law of Motion is: “An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an outside force.”

Hands-on lab: Moving Cart

Simulate a car accident's impact using a moving cart to demonstrate the effects of inertia without a seatbelt. Set up a simple cart with two wheel axes and a mass, and crash it into a cardboard box. Tape the cardboard box to the floor and mark a starting point about 5 feet away. Vary the speed of the collision and observe how the mass moves forward on the cart at different distances and speeds. The mass remains in motion due to inertia, even though it abruptly stops upon hitting the cardboard. Record and discuss the observations, and optionally, tape the mass to the cart to simulate a seatbelt.

Virtual lab: Newton's First Law of Motion: Balanced and unbalanced forces

In Labster's Newton’s First Law of Motion simulation , students visually observe how different forces act on an object and how motion takes place when forces are unbalanced.  Students will travel back in time to where Newton is surprised to see them in his room. He is quite upset since while he was working under a tree, an apple fell on his head and made him forget his First Law of Motion. Luckily they'll be able to join him in 1687 and help him rediscover everything about his law.

Hands-on lab: Penny on a Card Experiment

The Penny on a Card science project explores Newton's First Law of Motion, or the law of inertia. By flicking or pulling an overhanging card, the card slides off the table while the penny stays in place. This hands-on experiment helps students understand the concept of inertia and encourages critical thinking and observation skills. 

Newton's Second Law Project Ideas

Newton's Second Law of Motion states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. In mathematical terms, this can be expressed as F = ma, where F represents the net force, m denotes the mass of the object, and a represents the acceleration. 

Hands-on lab: Egg Crush Experiment

This engaging project allows students to explore Newton's Second Law of Motion. Using only flat wooden toothpicks and wood glue, students are challenged to build a device capable of protecting an egg from being crushed by the force of a falling 5-gallon bucket. This hands-on activity also enhances their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By considering concepts such as inertia, force, and reaction, students can design and construct an effective contraption and gain a practical understanding of the fundamental principles of motion.

Virtual lab: Newton's Second Law of Motion: Speed and Acceleration

In Labster's virtual lab , students travel through time and space to help Newton rediscover his Second Law of Motion. Students can use this physically realistic simulation to experiment with forces and masses and observe their effects on acceleration and velocity. Students will apply forces on a body with adjustable mass to control its acceleration and produce different kinds of motion. Includes experimentation tasks and directed challenges that require the student to take the effects of added forces into account or produce a specific motion. 

Hands-on lab: Toy Car Speed Project

For a Newton's Second Law of Motion project, you can conduct a toy car speed experiment. Create a ramp using books and meter sticks, and place different masses on the toy cars. Roll the cars down the ramp and record the time it takes for each one to reach the bottom. Manipulate the ramp height while keeping the mass constant to observe the impact on speed. Use the collected data to create a graph and write a paper explaining how the experiment aligns with Newton's Second Law. Explore how acceleration depends on net force, mass, and gravity's applied force. This project allows for a practical demonstration of Newton's Second Law and helps in understanding the relationship between height and speed.

Newton's Third Law Project Ideas

Newton's Third Law simply states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Hands-on lab: Newton's Cradle

The Newton's Cradle lab is a hands-on experiment that allows high school students to explore Newton's Third Law of Motion. Using a Newton's Cradle apparatus, students observe the conservation of momentum and energy in collisions. They pull back one ball, release it, and observe the transfer of energy to the other balls. By varying parameters like the number of balls or angle of release, students deepen their understanding of these principles. 

Virtual lab: Newton's Laws of Motion: Understand active and passive safety in motorsports

In this simulation , Labster uses Newton’s laws of motion to break down the passive and active safety features of a race car to enable our drivers to move faster in the safest way possible. In most interactions, there is a pair of forces acting on the two interacting objects. This is what Newton’s Third Law of Motion describes. Check out examples of this law in motorsports and identify the action and reaction forces while driving.

Hands-on lab: Balloon Rocket Experiment

Stretch a piece of string across the classroom and thread a straw onto it. Inflate a balloon without tying it off, tape it to the straw, and then release it. The air rushing out of the balloon propels it in the opposite direction, demonstrating Newton's Third Law.

Newton's Laws of Motion provide a fascinating framework for understanding the fundamental principles that govern how objects move in the physical world. By engaging in hands-on projects and virtual experiments related to these laws, students can deepen their understanding of concepts such as force, acceleration, and inertia. 

Applying Newton's Laws of Motion to real-life situations empowers students to develop critical thinking skills and gain a deeper appreciation for the laws that shape our world. Incorporating these project ideas can enhance the students learning journey and inspire a lifelong passion for science and discovery.

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Science Experiments

Balloon Rocket Science Experiment – A Balloon that Flies like a Rocket

3-2-1 Blast Off! This simple and fun science experiment teaches children about Action and Reaction. Using everyday household items, children learn how the force of air moving in one direction can propel balloon in the opposite direction, much like a rocket!

Below you’ll find a supplies list of everything you need, printable instructions, and the scientific explanation of how it demonstrates Newton’s Third Law of Motion in a fun, hands-on way. It’s so much fun, your kids will want to do it over and over with balloons of different shapes and sizes. 

JUMP TO: Instructions | Video Tutorial | How it Works | Lab Kit

Supplies Needed

• Drink Straw
• Two objects of the same height that you can tie a string to. We used two chairs

Balloon Rocket Science Lab Kit – Only $5

Use our easy Balloon Rocket Science Lab Kit to grab your students’ attention without the stress of planning!

It’s everything you need to  make science easy for teachers and fun for students  — using inexpensive materials you probably already have in your storage closet!

Balloon Rocket Science Experiment Instructions

Wondering how to create a balloon rocket? It’s easy! Simply follow these step by step instructions.

Step 1 – Position two objects of the same height (We used chairs) about 10 feet apart. Then grab your string and securely tie one end to one of the objects. 

Step 2 – Next, get your plastic drinking straw. If you are using a “bendy” straws with the flexible piece on one end, cut off the flexible part so you are left with a straight straw.

Thread the string through the straw and place two pieces of tape near the middle of the straw. P osition the two pieces of tape near the middle of the straw is important because if you place them near the ends of the straw, the straw will bend when the balloon deflates and the rocket won’t move as quickly.

Step 3 – Then tie the loose end of the string to your second object (We used a second chair across the room) and make sure the string is tight. If the string isn’t tight, move the objects farther apart until it is.

Step 4 – Blow up the balloon and hold the end so the air can’t escape and use the two pieces of tape to secure the balloon to the straw.  

Take a moment to make observations. What do you think will happen when the you let go of the end of the balloon? Write down your hypothesis (prediction) and then continue the experiment to test it out and to find out if you were correct.

Then move the straw and balloon to one end of the string. And once you are ready….

Step 5 – Let go of the balloon and watch what happens! Do you know what caused the balloon to rocket across the room? Find out the answer in the how does this experiment work section below. Then inflate the balloon again and repeat again and again.

Balloon Rocket Science Experiment Video Tutorial

How Does the Science Experiment Work?

The balloon flies across the string because of air and thrust. Thrust can be explained by Newton’s Third Law of Motion . Newton’s third law states that for every action there is an equal but opposite reaction. As the air is released out of the balloon in one direction, the force propels the balloon in the other direction. This equal but opposite force causes the balloon to fly across the string like a rocket!

I hope you enjoyed the experiment. Here are some printable instructions:

Balloon Rocket Science Experiment

• Two objects of the same height that you can tie a string to. I used chairs.

Instructions

• Position two objects of the same height (I’m using chairs) about 10 feet apart and grab a piece of string.
• Tie one end of the string to one of the objects. Make sure it is securely fashioned.
• Next, get a straight plastic drinking straw. If the straw is one of the “bendy” straws with the flexible piece, cut off the flexible part so you are left with a straight straw.
• Place two pieces of tape on the straw. Note: Be sure to position the two pieces of tape near the middle of the straw. If you put them near the ends of the straw it will bend when you blow up the balloon and the rocket won’t move as quickly.
• Thread the string through the straw
• Tie the loose end of string to the back of your second object (I’m using another chair) and make sure the string is tight. If the string isn’t tight, move the objects farther apart until it is.
• Blow up the balloon and hold the end so the air can’t escape and use the two pieces of tape to secure the balloon to the straw.
• Move the straw and balloon to one end of the string. And once you are ready…..
• Let go of the balloon and watch as it rockets across the string! Then inflate the balloon again and repeat again and again.

Reader Interactions

March 30, 2016 at 11:05 pm

you balloon rocket is so cool!

– Misk Algaysi

May 10, 2017 at 6:20 pm

The balloon wind is pushing against the regular wind which makes it fly and the rope is inside the straw which also makes it go faster.

October 28, 2018 at 10:27 pm

Cool experiment. The balloon flew like a rocket!

June 8, 2023 at 7:55 am

This is a really cool experiment! I am going to try this for my science experiment.

— Matthew Jensen

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Easy Inertia Experiment

May 29, 2020 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

This inertia experiment is super easy and a great fun science trick for kids and adults!

If you want to learn more about Isaac Newton’s Laws of Motion or forces in general I’ve got lots more forces and motion experiments you can try!

What is inertia?

Isaac Newton’s First Law states that an object stays still or keeps moving at the same speed and in a straight line unless it is acted upon by a force.

In simple terms that means if an object isn’t moving ( imagine a book on the floor ) it won’t start to move unless a force makes it move ( for example, if you push the book ).

Isaac Newton’s First Law is known as the Law of Inertia .

You’ll need:

Card folded into a triangle column and taped securely.

Piece of card – A5 size

Small object that is big enough to sit on top of the column.

Inertia Experiment Instructions

Place the A5 sheet of card on top of the pint glass.

Carefully put the triangular column on the card.

Balance the lemon on top of the column, it needs to be directly above the glass.

Hold the glass with one hand and then quickly pull the A5 card with the other hand.

The lemon should drop into the glass!

Why does this work?

The lemon is heavier than the cardboard column which means it doesn’t move as easily as the column when the cardboard is pulled from underneath.

There isn’t a sideways force acting on the lemon so it falls straight down because of gravity.

Newton’s First Law states that an object at rest remains at rest unless acted on by a force.

More Forces Experiments for Kids

Design, build and launch a water powered bottle rocket !

Learn about potential energy with a cotton reel car or make a balloon powered car .

Learn more about Newton’s Laws of Motion and how they apply to space travel in my book, This IS Rocket Science!

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Last Updated on May 29, 2020 by Emma Vanstone

Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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Drop an Egg to Prove The First Law of Motion

Newton’s first law of motion states that objects have the tendency to retain its motion or the lack of.

If a body is at rest, it has the tendency to remain at rest; If a body is moving, it tends to keep moving in a straight line at a constant speed.

This is also called the law of inertia.

Inertia is an object’s tendency to stay at rest, or keep moving until an external force is applied to change it.

Let’s do an inertia experiment.

We are using plastic eggs, but you can use real eggs to do this, too.

It was so much fun that my kid wanted to do it again and again.

Egg Drop Inertia

Here it is, a fun egg drop experiment.

• egg, I used a plastic easter egg, but you can certainly use a real one :)
• empty toilet paper roll
• an unbreakable pan with a raised edge or a shallow plastic container
• a glass big enough for the egg
• tray (optional: to catch the broken egg if you use real eggs and don't succeed on first try)
• adult supervision

Instructions

• Place the glass on a sturdy table.
• (Optional) If a real egg is used, fill the glass with water. Otherwise, an empty glass is fine.
• Center the pan on top of the glass.

• In one quick move, knock the pan sideway off the glass.
• Observe the egg fall directly into the glass.

Did you try this project?

Follow us on Pinterest and share a photo!

Why does the egg fall right into the glass while the paper roll and the pan flies sideways?

This can be explained by Sir Isaac Newton’s First Law of Motion , which states that an object at rest remains at rest and an object in motion stays in motion with the same velocity  (speed and direction) unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.

Because the egg is not moving at the beginning, it wants to stay that way.

When the pan is knocked off by you hand, its raised edge in turn knocks off the paper roll.

When the support of the egg is removed, gravity applies a net downward force that pulls the egg straight down.

The egg then drops right into the glass.

Try the experiment again using

• paper rolls of different lengths.
• different types of support for the egg.
• different objects on top of the paper roll.

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Bread Dough Rising Experiment

Science is all around us. Oftentimes, we apply the principles of physics, chemistry or biology without even knowing. We can…

Color Changing Flowers Science Project

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you changed the color of water that flowers drank? Well, we did,…