Laws of Motion Interview

A Think Quest Site

http://library.thinkquest.org/11924/motion.html

by Liz LaRosa

www.middleschoolscience.com

Objectives: 

• to role play three famous scientists

• to discuss the contribution of each scientist to the Laws of Motion

• to be aware of the changes in ideas about motion through the centuries

• to learn Newton's 3 Laws of Motion

Materials - Class Set :

• Brief Biographies of Aristotle, Galileo, and Newton

• Aristotle Interview

• Galileo Interview

• Newton Interview

• Funny Wizard Hat

• Self Quiz- Can be taken online or photocopied

Procedure:

1. Hand out Interview Sheets

2. Have students sit in a circle and chose 2 volunteers for each interview.

3. The Interviewer is a Wizard and wears a funny hat

4. Briefly introduce each scientist to the class

5. Have students act out interview.

6. Discuss the main points that are addressed in the Summary

7. Open floor for questions

8. Proceed to next Interview

Analysis/Results/Conclusion:

Have students complete self quiz and write a brief summary of what they learned

Teacher Tips:

Depending on the level of your kids, you can be Aristotle, Newton, or Galileo and chose a student to interview you.  You can also show small demonstrations and discuss the concepts involved.