Science Action Labs - Physical Science: Matter and Motion

"Every body perseveres in its state of rest or of uniform motion in a straight line, except in so far as it is compelled to change that state by impressed forces." -Issac Newton, Principia (First Law of Motion)

In other words, students in grades 4-8 (bodies in a state of rest) need lots of hands-on activities (impressed forces) to learn (compelling change)!

All the activities in this book are based upon science principles, many of which are explained by Newton's laws. The spirit of Sir Issac is present on the pages of this book offering explanation, advice, additional information and encouragement. The labs range from determining the characteristics of matter, experimenting with elastic matter, overcoming friction, discovering the laws of motion, making a pendulum and having fun with falling. Many of the Science Action Labs provide data tables and other additional information, and an answer key is provided.

This innovative collection of Science Action Labs provides a multitude of material for your students. Choose some activities to animate your class demonstrations, convert some to hands-on labs for the entire class or develop some for individual projects or reports. You'll find that each Science Action Lab is designed to encourage your students to THINK and SOLVE PROBLEMS and, after all, isn't that what science is all about?

Newton would approve.

Ed Shevick has taught middle school and gifted science for over 30 years. He also taught science education at Pepperdine and Cal State Northridge. Ed helped develop the science curriculum at the local and state levels in California. He is a member of the National Science Teachers Association. Currently, Ed presents science shows throughout the state of California. Ed plays tennis, and he and his wife Florence enjoy spending time with their granddaughter, Staci.