Newton’s First Law of Motion, A Web Search
Objectives
Ÿ Students will gain experience using search engines or subject directories on the WorldWide-Web.
Ÿ Students will learn about the scientist Sir Isaac Newton and some of his
accomplishments.
Ÿ Students will understand Newton’s First Law of Motion.
Suggested Grade Levels
5th through 8 th Grade
Subject Area(s)
Science
Technology
Timeline
Two or three, 45 minute class periods
Background Knowledge
The teacher should be familiar with searching the world-wide-web for specific information.
Sir Isaac Newton’s First Law of Motion is stated: An object at rest tends to stay at rest and
an object in motion tends to stay in motion with the same speed and in the same direction
unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. A good way to explain the First Law of Motion
is with the example of a moving car. When the driver slams on the brakes in a moving car,
the passengers’ bodies continue to move forward until the seat belts stop them. The
passengers’ bodies stayed in motion with the same speed and direction as the moving car
until they were acted upon by the seatbelts. Another way to explain Newton’s First Law of
Motion is with the example of a ball rolling along the ground. The ball would stay in motion
at the same speed and direction if it weren’t for the friction the ball encounters on the
ground, which slows it down until it eventually comes to a stop.
Materials
A computer, for each student, that has the ability to access the World-Wide-Web.
Lesson
Day One
1. Ask students how they find information on the internet. Allow students to share their
ideas, including using search engines. Depending on the skill level of your students you
may want to model the use of a search engine to find information of a particular subject. If
they need additional web search work tell students that it is important that they know what
they are looking for before they start a search and ask them to describe what they will need
to find to complete the activity. Ask for suggestions on what to type in the search box to
find information on the internet. Let them know that it is not necessary to type in words such
as “of, a, the, is, etc.” into the search box. Also, teach them that word order does make a
difference. It is best to type the keywords in the order you hope they will appear on a Web
site. If your students already have had experience with web quests no preparation will be
needed.
Day Two
1. Ask students to brainstorm the reason why one’s body continues moving forward in a
car that stops suddenly. Or, ask them to explain why a ball rolling along the ground will
eventually come to a stop even if no one or no object stops it. Then continue on to the
following Web activity.
2. Go to http://www.ajkids.com and have the children type “Isaac Newton” in the search
engine search box to bring up a list of sites that will help them to answer the first of three
questions.
Who was Sir Isaac Newton and what were some of his accomplishments?
3. For the remaining questions, type “first law of motion” in the search engine search box.
Have students choose the best Web site(s) from the list to help you answer the following.
Explain Newton’s First Law of Motion.
4. Teach the students about Newton’s First Law of Motion and then have them answer the
last question.
Explain the concept of friction in relation to Newton’s First Law.
5. Use the information included in background knowledge to expand upon Newton’s First
Law of motion. Assign homework. Ask students to give two examples of Newton’s First
Law that they see outside of school.
Extensions
Ÿ Use the lesson as a launching pad into a study of motions and forces.
Ÿ Reinforce the ideas learned in this lesson with concrete objects such as balls.
Ÿ Study the concept of friction in more depth.
Ÿ Go on to study Newton’s two other laws of motion.
Evaluation/Assessment
Ÿ Students ability to use search engines or subject directories on the world wide web will
be assessed from observation.
Ÿ Students understanding of scientist Sir Isaac Newton and some of his
accomplishments will be assessed by reviewing the answers to their questions
completed during the Web quest.
Ÿ Students understanding of Newton’s First Law of Motion will be assessed by reviewing
homework which asks students to give two example of Newton’s First Law that they see
outside of school.
Resources
http://www.ajkids.com