Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727) is best known for his laws of motion, which are three simple statements that describe the relation between an object and the external forces that act on it. There are many science projects that illustrate these irrefutable truths. Simple illustrations can be made or shown to children of any age to illustrate these timeless principles.
First Law
Newton's first law states that an object will remain in its present state of rest or motion unless acted upon by an outside force.
This can be illustrated easily by swinging a yo-yo or other tethered object over one's head. The object continues traveling in a circular path because of the string's tension. When the tension is released, however, the object flies forward in a straight path.
For a more in-depth experiment, use two identical jars with tight-fitting lids. Fill one with water and leave the other empty. Create four identical ramps and situate each above a different substance, such as wood flooring, a carpet, sand or grass. Release the jars from the top of each ramp, one at a time, and measure how far the jar travels on the substance. Summarize this project by discussing how the presence of friction reduced the movement of the jars.
Second Law
Newton's second law discusses how acceleration is produced when a force acts on a mass. It also states that an object with greater mass will require a greater amount of force to accelerate.
To illustrate this easily, fill at least three sealable plastic bags with substances that have different masses. Fill one with feathers, one with sand and one with heavy iron weights. Conceal the bags in a pillowcase or other container that cannot be seen through. Have participants pick up the objects and toss them. It will be apparent quickly that heavier items require more force to move.
Another way to test this law is to drop objects into buckets filled with sand. Select two dramatically different objects, such as a brick and bouncy ball, and drop them into separate containers. They will fall at an equal rate because of gravity, but the larger mass of the brick will cause a greater "dent" in the sand.
Third Law
Newton's third law states that every action creates an equal and opposite reaction.
One of the easiest ways to demonstrate this truth is to hold a ball while wearing a pair of roller skates. Throw the ball forward. The force used to throw the ball will push you backward.
A boat also can demonstrate this law. Use a lightweight toy or empty plastic bowl for this project. Inflate a balloon several times and stretch the end over a straw. Tape the balloon to the straw, and then tape the straw to the boat. Inflate the balloon through the straw and release it. The force of the air escaping from the straw will propel the boat forward.
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