Lesson Plan

Serc: Investigating Newton's Third Law Through Film Canister Cannons

Curated by ACT

In this physics lab (best done outside), young scholars will explore Newton's Third Law - 'For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction'. Students will fill empty 35-mm film canisters with water and part of an Alka-Seltzer tablet, place the cap on, and place the canister either cap side down or the cap against a hard surface like the school building. Young scholars will measure the distance the canister is pushed away from the building or into the air. Students will summarize their understanding of Newton's Third Law and suggest applications of the Third Law in everyday life.

3 Views 1 Download NGSS: Adaptable
Classroom Considerations
  • Knovation Readability Score: 4 (1 low difficulty, 5 high difficulty)
NGSS