Isaac Newton (1642-1727)

Directions for Mr. Jones' physics students: Complete the task(s) from a site. Work may be submitted electronically or by hard-copy. All hard-copy work must be typed. Complete work from, at least, five (5) History of Science sites for inclusion in your portfolio.

Site I - Biography (You are at the correct site if you see the graphic above. Thanks to the site for its use! ) http://www.newton.cam.ac.uk/newtlife.html

Read the short biography of Isaac Newton.

1. Create a time line depicting Newton's life.

Site II - Falling Apple Story

2. Did the "Falling Apple Story" really happen?

Search throughout this site to find the real story. (http://home.cern.ch/~mcnab/n/)

Explain what really occurred and include quotes from the Web site to support your explanation.

Hewitt DrewIt Graphics

Site III - A Conversation with Newton (You are at the correct site if you see the graphic below. Thanks to the site for its use! ) http://library.advanced.org/11924/newton.html

3. What is the difference between Galileo's ideas on motion and Newton's First Law? Explain.

4. Explain some applications of Newton's Second law, F=ma.

5. Discuss why "equal yet opposite forces" do not cancel out when observing Newton's Third Law of Motion. Use examples in your explanation.

Site IV - Newton on Panetary Motion http://library.advanced.org/11924/snewton.html

6. Did Newton believe in the geocentric or heliocentic theory?

7. Explain Newton's law of the universal gravitation?

8. Link to the Examples to see how gravity causes tides. http://library.advanced.org/11924/pmotion2.html

  • Why are there two high tides in a day?

Hewitt DrewIt Graphics

Site V - Simulations & Interactive Sites

Explore the sites listed below. You may need to download software (available at the sites) for the simulations to run. If you can get the sites to function, critique the design and effectiveness for three of the sites.

Site VI - Demonstrations & Experiments with Newton's Laws

Review the activities listed below at the following Web site: University of Tennessee Center of Excellence for Science & Mathematics Education http://cesme.utm.edu/resources/science/PSAM.html.

Select several demonstrations or actvities that effectively demonstrate Newton's Laws in a fun and interesting manner. Write a brief script of how you would perform the activities for the class. For the presentation component of your portfolio, you may schedule a time with Mr. Jones to conduct an activity with the class.
  • Newton's First Law of Motion
  • Acceleration (Free Fall)
  • Acceleration (Inclined Plane)
  • Newton's Second Law of Motion
  • Newton's Third Law of Motion
  • Friction

Go to History of Science Index Page Return to Mr. Jones' Index Page