Isaac Newton's Birthday - 4th January
Newton is regarded as one of the most influential physicists and mathematicians of all time and his actual birthday depends upon which calendar is used. Under the Julian calendar which was being used in England at the time Newton was born on Christmas day 1642. However, under the currently used Gregorian calander he was born on 4th Jan 1643. Either way, he was a game changing contributor to the understanding of many areas of science and mathematics including: forces, motion, gravity, light, fluids and calculus.
This collection highlights some of his work that is applicable to the science and mathematics curriculum for secondary schools.
The Astro Academy: Principia collection, named after Newton's groundbreaking book on his laws of motion and universal gravitation, are a series of videos of the experiments Tim Peake carried out on the International Space station in 2016 demonstrating Newton's laws. Other resources within the collection also look at these laws in more detail including classroom activity ideas for both physics and mathematics lessons for secondary aged pupils
The topics of light and non-Newtonian fluids are also covered for secondary pupils.
Resources
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How to make a rocket at home
Dallas Campbell shows how to make a simple rocket out of an old film canister and an effervescent tablet mixed with water. He explains how this links to Newton’s Third Law.
Pinball Power
The simple pinball machine in this activity is made from a cardboard box, with ice lolly sticks as the flippers. It provides a great opportunity to explore the science of forces and motion. Game on!
Learning outcomes:
- Investigate simple mechanisms and Newton’s Laws of Motion
- Use...
Mission 1: Newton in Space
Produced with the input of experts and teachers, this 17-minute video from ESA illustrates how simple experiments, in space and on Earth, can be used to investigate Newton's three laws of motion. The video also examines the difference between mass and weight. The video uses demonstrations from two astronauts on...
Episode 210: Preparation for Newton’s Laws of Motion
In these materials from the Institute of Physics, students revise the laws of motion and investigate the relationship between force and acceleration.
There are two learning episodes in this topic:
Episode 211: Newton’s second law of motion
Episode 212:...