Newton's 2nd Law Lab | High School Physics

This lab is intended for physics students who are familiar with 1-dimensional motion equations, the concepts of displacement, velocity, and acceleration, and have been introduced to Newton’s Laws. Students will be using both an experimental and theoretical approach to determine the acceleration of a cart and comparing the two results. I have personally used this lab with IB Physics students. I have used this lab in both an in-person and a virtual setting.

The lab can be completed in the classroom with a kinematics cart, some hanging masses, string, a pulley, a meter stick, and a stopwatch. If you do not have access to these materials, the lab can also be completed using this simulation: http://thephysicsaviary.com/Physics/Programs/Labs/NewtonsLawLab/ (you can also Google Search “Newton’s Laws Lab Physics Aviary”).

Depending on what skills you want to focus on in the lab (and how much time you have), you can have students complete more or less on their own. Sometimes I provide all of the sections except the data, sometimes I provide no information except for the data, or some combination in between. You can provide as much or little for your students to meet them where they are! Something that I also love to add is a group-write conclusion.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or suggestions about the lab! You can contact me at suntree.science@gmail.com.

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