Forces at Work

Purpose: To understand Newton’s Third Law of Motion

Materials

• 10 playing cards
• masking tape
• 2 textbooks
• science journal

Procedure

1. Working with a partner, discuss Newton’s Third Law.
2. In your science journal, list some everyday occurrences in which you see Newton’s Third Law of Motion in action. Think of sporting events, rocketry, firefighters, rock climbers, and so on.
3. As a design team, brainstorm how to design a support structure that is strong enough to hold up two textbooks by using only masking tape and not more than ten playing cards. Be creative and original. Keep Newton’s Third Law in mind as you design.
4. Draw your design in your science journal.
5. Build, test, and evaluate your design.
6. Redesign if necessary.all hole in the ball using the large needle or screwdriver.

Conclusion

1. Which team had the most unique design?
2. Which team used the fewest playing cards?
3. Whose bridge was the strongest?