Isaac Newton Group Activity

Welcome!O You and your partner(s) are working

in a lab in the 17th century with Sir Isaac Newton. He has just explained to you some of his new scientific theories including the Laws of Motion and the Universal Law of Gravitation. He needs your help conducting a few experiments. Isaac Newton has allotted your group 20 pounds to complete an experiment that supports one of his physics principles.

Available MaterialsO Coins – 4 poundsO Rocks – 4 poundsO Additional Paper – 2 pounds for 2

pages O String – 6 poundsO Whiffle Ball – 6 poundsO Plastic cup- 6 poundsO Playing Card – 4 poundsO Ruler – 2 pounds

Disaster Strikes!O In 1666, The Great Fire of

London occurred, destroying many buildings in the city. Unfortunately, one of these buildings was your lab space. You only managed to save some of your materials, and lost some materials in the fire. Each group loses some of their materials in the fire. The teachers will go around the room and collect materials from each group.

Disaster Strikes…Again!O Newton faces a great deal of criticism for his works. He decides to design some of his own experiments to fight negative propaganda about his experiments. However, he needs funds to do this. Newton takes some money from each group. The teachers will collect two pounds from each group. If the group has used up all of their money, the teacher may take some of the groups materials as compensation.

Finally Some Good News!O In 1705, Isaac Newton

was knighted by Queen Ann, solidifying his transition from scientist to national icon. You will be rewarded for your dedication. Each group will be offered additional funds or help from their teachers to complete their experiments.

Finish Up Your Experiments

O If you did not finish in class, turn in your lab write-up and your reflection questions Monday before the exam!

O Good luck!