This module explores Newton’s three Laws of Motion. Students will explore real-world examples that display Newton’s laws. Students are challenged to create their own Rube Goldberg device demonstrating each law of motion and identifying where each of Newton’s Laws of Motion are found in their device.

After this module you will be able to:

• Identify Newton’s laws in action.
• Explain Newton's Laws of Motion using real-world examples.
• Create a Rube Golberg device that uses Newton's Laws of Motion.
• Identify equal and opposite forces.

Materials

The Rube Goldberg Device Activity (Read activity explanation further below) can be completed using common household materials including, but not limited to, the following list. This list is intended to provide ideas for materials that can be used, but none of these items are required. Any materials from your household can be used with adult approval.

• Ping Pong Balls, Marbles, Tennis Balls, or any other objects (of varying masses) that roll.
• Dominoes
• Books
• Tape
• Twist Ties
• Rubber Bands
• Balloons
• Cardboard
• Paper
• Blocks
• String
• Plastic Cups
• Silverware
• Tupperware/Plastic Wear
• Ramps
• Pool Noodles
• Tracks
• Popsicle Sticks
• Ruler
• Pipe Cleaners
• Toilet Paper or Paper Towel Rolls
• Toy Cars
• Stuffed Animal, Drawing, or Picture to represent Shasta

Safety

• Ask for adult supervision when working with sharp objects such as scissors.
• Ask for adult supervision when working with a hot glue gun.
• Avoid putting small objects or household items in your mouth.
• Avoid leaving balls, liquids, and other slipping/tripping hazards on the floor.
• Avoid using flames, sharp knives, and other potentially dangerous items in your device.
• If your device uses liquids, you will want to have towels on the floor or build it outside.
• After completing the activity, make sure to clean up any items left on the floor.

Activity

Watch the activity video below.

Steps

As stated in the video, we need help from creative, young innovators to create a prototype or model Rube Goldberg device to capture our other escaped mascot, Shasta the cougar!

Once you have created your Rube Goldberg device, take pictures or make a video of your device in action. When you share your pictures/videos, be sure to include a short explanation (spoken or written) of where Newton’s Laws are present in your device and how they apply in your device.

Dig Deeper

Read This

Recommended: Middle and High School
Did you know that Newton discovered the Laws of Motion by watching a falling apple? Check out this article to see the history of how Newton discovered the three laws that we use in physics.

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Did you know that astronauts can let go of a tool in space and it will stay in one spot until they grab it, but if they throw the tool, it will continue to go in a straight line until another force acts on it? Check out this article to learn more about Newton’s three Laws of Motion, and try your hand at some fun questions.

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Did you know Newton’s three Laws of Motion are utilized in space flight? Check out this article explaining Newton's three Laws of Motion and where they can be found in an aerodynamics setting.

Try This

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Did you know you can see how mass affects force by using the online simulator? You can test out the net force, motion, friction, and acceleration.

Watch This

Recommended: Middle and High School
Do you know any fun facts about Newton’s Laws? Check out this video to know more about the three laws and some fun examples.

Recommended: Middle and High School
Did you know that Newton’s three Laws of Motion are utilized on the International Space Station? Check out this video to join astronauts aboard the space station to learn more about Newton’s Laws and what force equals mass times acceleration has to do with rockets.

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Did you know that Newton’s Laws of Motion impact the way astronauts and engineers have to train and design spacecraft? Check out this video to see the significance of Newton’s Laws of Motion.

Show What You Know

Meet Our Expert

Interested in how chemistry applies to the real world? Check out our expert video with Ny Riavo Voarintsoa, Ph.D., Research Assistant Professor in the University of Houston’s Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. There are so many cool ways chemistry helps to uncover Earth’s history.

Meet The Teachers

Ramona Mateer
Program Director, teachHOUSTON STEM Interactive
Master Teacher, teachHOUSTON, Department of Mathematics, University of Houston
Ramona Mateer, a University of Houston alumna, earned an M.Ed. in Science Curriculum and Technology (University of Texas). She is a former junior high school science teacher and instructional coach. In her free time, she cycles, reads, and enjoys Nintendo Switch online gaming.

Meghan DiBacco
Physics Teacher, Cinco Ranch High School, Katy ISD.
University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, teachHOUSTON Alumna, Geophysics Major
Ms. DiBacco is a proud two-time graduate of the University of Houston. She obtained her bachelor's degree in geophysics, with minors in mathematics and geology, and is an alumna of the teachHOUSTON Program. She is a physics teacher at Cinco Ranch High School and completed her Master of Science in geophysics in December. Ms. DiBacco has participated in numerous UH STEM camps, and she is excited to work with students and teachHOUSTON undergraduates as a camp leader. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors and learning how to build robots.

Stephen Medel
Physics Major, Mathematics Minor, teachHOUSTON Preservice Teacher, University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Mr. Medel is an undergraduate at the University of Houston majoring in physics and minoring in mathematics. He will be student teaching this fall at Dobie High School. During his free time, he enjoys spending time with his adorable dog, Murphy, and playing some tabletop and board games.

Yaneli Ruiz-Gonzalez
Biochemistry Major, Chemistry Minor, teachHOUSTON Preservice Teacher, University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Ms. Ruiz-Gonzalez is an undergraduate at the University of Houston majoring in biochemistry and minoring in chemistry. A senior in the teachHOUSTON program, she is passionate about sharing her love of science with students while preparing them for their future endeavors and enjoys collaborating with other STEM professionals. In her free time, she likes to do anything that has to do with arts and crafts or playing video games.

Michael Broderick
Mathematics Major, teachHOUSTON Preservice Teacher, University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Mr. Broderick is an undergraduate at the University of Houston majoring in mathematics. He is a senior in the teachHOUSTON program. In his free time, he enjoys playing strategic video games and tabletop board games.

Jaqueline Barron
Biology Major, Anthropology Minor, teachHOUSTON Preservice Teacher, University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Ms. Barron is an undergraduate at the University of Houston majoring in biology and minoring in anthropology. She is in her first semester in the teachHOUSTON program. In her free time, she likes to draw, pick up new hobbies, hike, and travel.

Brian Gonzales
Biology Major, teachHOUSTON Preservice Teacher, University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
teachHOUSTON STEM Interactive Video Editor
Mr. Gonzales is an undergraduate student at the University of Houston. He will be student teaching in the fall and would like to teach either biology or anatomy and physiology once he receives his teaching certification. In his free time, he enjoys listening to artists like twenty one pilots or Billie Eilish, building Lego Star Wars sets, and practicing photography at the park.