Forces and Motion in the Real World (Grade 10) - by Mark Zoarob

Introduction

Why does a ball keep rolling until something stops it? What makes it easier to push an empty cart than a full one? In this WebQuest, you will explore how Newton’s Three Laws of Motion explain the behavior of objects in everyday life. By investigating real examples and analyzing forces, you will build your understanding of physics in action.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/C6DLKxMo3pj4FR4UA 

(Image of football player stopping ball with his leg)

Task

Your mission is to become a physics detective and explore the invisible forces that affect how things move in the real world. Using your knowledge of Newton’s Three Laws of Motion, you will investigate real-life situations where these laws apply.

You will work individually or in pairs to complete the following:

 1. Find one real-life example for each of Newton’s Three Laws (three total). These can be from daily life (e.g., sports, transport, playgrounds, household items).

     https://photos.app.goo.gl/PYtGmkDc6cV4JtiF7

     (Illustrated real-life example of Newton’s Laws in action demonstrated in braking)

 2. For each example:

  • Clearly describe what is happening.

  • Identify which Newton’s Law is demonstrated.

  • Create a labeled force diagram (you can draw it or find one online).

  • Explain how the law applies using key terms like force, motion, acceleration, mass, and inertia.

      https://photos.app.goo.gl/mdPrC6bMS9AkXvjMA

     (Free-body diagram with labeled forces)

 3. Put your work together in a digital poster or slide presentation (Google Slides, Canva, or PowerPoint). It must include:

  • A title slide

  • One slide per law/example

  • One slide with all three laws summarized

  • Images and clear explanations

  • A reference slide with APA-style citations

4. You will present your poster/presentation briefly in class to explain your examples.

Your goal is to show that you not only understand Newton’s Laws but can recognize and explain them in the world around you. Get ready to apply physics to everyday life!

 

Process

Follow these steps carefully to complete your project:

Step 1: Learn the Basics

  • Watch this short video to review Newton’s Three Laws of Motion:

     CrashCourse Physics #5 – Newton’s Laws

  • Take notes on key terms like: inertia, net force, acceleration, mass, reaction force, and motion.

Step 2: Select Real-World Examples

     https://photos.app.goo.gl/kN3FANX58KaQN59a6

     (Real world example demonstrating cannon’s backward recoil is the reaction to the forward motion of the cannonball)

  • Choose 3 real-life examples, each representing one of Newton’s Laws.

    Examples include:

    • First Law: A passenger lurching forward in a sudden stop.

    • Second Law: A heavier object requiring more force to accelerate.

    • Third Law: A person jumping off a boat and the boat drifting back.

Step 3: Analyze Each Example

For each example, write:

  • A brief description of the situation.

  • Which law it demonstrates and why.

  • A labeled force diagram showing all forces acting on the object (you may draw diagrams digitally on your computer or scan diagrams drawn on a piece of paper)

Step 4: Create Your Presentation

Choose one of the following formats:

  • Google Slides, PowerPoint, or Canva poster

    Include the following slides/pages:

  1. Title slide with your name/names and grade

  2. One slide per law (3 total), each with:

    • Example description

    • Force diagram

    • Explanation of how the law applies

  3. Summary slide reviewing all 3 laws

  4. Credits slide in APA format

Make sure:

  • Text is clear and concise

  • Images are resized appropriately

  • All force diagrams are labeled

Step 5: Submit & Present

  • Submit your completed presentation to the teacher’s platform (email or shared drive)

  • Be ready to present your work to the class and explain how Newton’s Laws are shown in your examples

Evaluation
You will be graded according to the following rubric:
Criteria Excellent (10 pts) Good (8 pts) Fair (6 pts) Poor (4 pts)
Understanding of Newton’s Laws All three laws clearly and correctly explained in your own words with specific vocabulary Minor inaccuracies or unclear vocabulary Basic definitions without clear application Little understanding shown
Real-Life Examples All examples are original, realistic, and clearly matched to the correct law Most examples are appropriate; minor mismatches Examples are vague or not clearly connected Little relevance or no clear match to laws
Force Diagrams All diagrams are accurate, clearly labeled, and correctly represent forces Diagrams are present but have minor labeling or directional issues Some diagrams incomplete or incorrect Diagrams missing or largely incorrect
Presentation Format & Layout Clear, logical layout; all slides included; visuals enhance understanding Mostly clear; some missing elements or disorganized layout Presentation is hard to follow or missing slides No organization or missing major sections
Visuals & Image Use 5 images used effectively, correctly resized, and relevant 3–4 images used, mostly appropriate 1–2 images or oversized/unrelated No images or inappropriate use
APA Citation & Credit Page All sources properly cited in APA format, including image attributions Minor formatting issues Only some citations included or incorrectly formatted No citations included

 

Conclusion

Newton’s Laws aren’t just equations in a book. They’re the rules that govern how everything moves around you. After completing this WebQuest, you will be able to recognize how forces act in sports, vehicles, playgrounds, and more. Now you’re ready to see the world through the eyes of a physicist!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Zm4jmn4we6N5QzJX9

(Visual summary of Newton’s Three Laws with illustrated real-life examples)

Credits

References

Brighterly. (2022, May). Newton’s first law educational graphic. https://k3h3a8r8.delivery.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/1st-law-768x1086.png

CrashCourse. (2016, April 11). Newton’s Laws: Crash Course Physics #5 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKKM8Y-u7ds

Medium. (n.d.). Illustration of Newton’s Laws. https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:3840/1*BgMqLwum0iPbImmZdeSYMg.jpeg

OpenStax College Physics. (2015). Free-body diagram of forces acting on a skier. https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/courses-images-archive-read-only/wp-content/uploads/sites/1322/2015/12/03205847/Figure_04_07_08.jpg

Vecteezy. (n.d.). Newton’s third law infographic: cannon and cannonball. https://static.vecteezy.com/system/resources/previews/021/967/743/non_2x/newton-third-law-of-motion-infographic-diagram-showing-action-reaction-force-direction-example-of-cannon-and-cannon-ball-vector.jpg

VectorMine. (n.d.). Law of motion infographic diagram with examples. Shutterstock. https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/law-motion-infographic-diagram-examples-260nw-2289453973.jpg