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GRADES 3 - 8
INERTIA

OBJECTIVES:

  • Students are introduced to basic dynamics in engineering through a discussion of inertia and a hands-on activity.
  • Students and educators conduct a simple inertia demonstration by spinning a hardboiled and raw egg.
  • Students and educators will push a wagon to learn about inertia.
  • Students learn about Newton's first and second laws of motion.
  • SAFETY NOTES: Adult Supervision Strongly Suggested -- The Raw Eggs May Make This Activity Messy.
  • NATIONAL SCIENCE STANDARDS:
    Physical Science:
  • Positions And Motion Of Objects (K-4)
  • Motions and Forces (5-8)

  • Science As Inquiry:
  • Abilities Necessary To Do Scientific Inquiry

  • Science And Technology Standard:
  • Understanding About Science And Technology
  • STANDARDS FOR TECHNOLOGY LITERACY:
    The Nature of Technology:

  • Students will develop an understanding of the core concepts of technology.
  • Students will develop an understanding of the relationships among technologies and the connections between technology and other fields of study.
  • LECTURE AND PREPARATION TIME:


    30 minutes

    LESSON TIME:


    45 minutes

    WORDS TO KNOW:

    • acceleration
    • dynamics
    • equilibrium
    • force
    • inertia
    • Sir Isaac Newton
    • vector
    • velocity

    SPECIAL NOTES:

  • Although the science concepts and vocabulary are intended for middle school students, younger students may enjoy this activity.

  • This lesson was orginally produced by the Society of Women Engineers as part of a "Science In Action Badge" for Girl Scouts. The Science In Action Badge series of experiments was developed with inputs from many Society of Women Engineers sections throughout the country. Special thanks to Chicago Regional Section, Detroit Section, Los Angeles Section, New England Shoreline Section, Oklahoma State University Student Section, Santa Clara Valley Section, and Space Coast Section for their inputs and support of this material.

    This lesson has been adapted for the SWE Internet Activities Center through a Microsoft Equal Access Program grant.


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