May the force be with you.

Description of Lesson: In this lesson students experiment with force and motion using a " Newton Car " (adapted from NASA) to explore the effects of mass and force on acceleration. Student Objectives: The students will be able to create a testable question and hypothesis, run a fair test, measure distance for data, and make a conclusion using the data. Students will be able to identify the affects varying amounts of mass and force have on the movement of an object. Materials: Per group of 3 students: 1 Newton car (pre made), 2 rubber bands, 10 round pencils or straws, 1 film canister, 15 pennies, at least 9 loops of cotton string, scissors, lab sheet, and a meter stick or other cm measuring device. Variables to have on hand: various sizes and strengths of rubber bands, more pencils, cotton string loops, and more pennies. Procedure: 1. Show students how to use a Newton car one time and how to manipulate the weight by adding the film canister and changing the amount of pennies in the film canister. 2. Have the class generate a list of variables they could choose to test. List them on the board. (i.e. amount of weight on the car, strength of rubber band, etc.) 3. Pass out supplies and have students try Newton car three times – being careful about placing string high on the nail and cutting quickly so the nail doesn't hit the scissors. 4. When students have an idea for their investigation, give them lab sheets. 5. Have students write their variables, question, and hypothesis, get them checked, and then write their procedure before testing. Use a film canister and pennies here instead.