Charyl Stockwell Academy Students Scoot for Newton’s Third Law

By Deborah Skolnik

Students at in Hartland learned first-hand about Newton’s third law of motion — for every action there is an equal and opposite force. During the month of November, students in the Explorer Unit built Newton Scooters, small vehicles made from scrap materials that had to be propelled by exerting a force against something (air, the floor, etc) to make them move forward. The only forces students could use were pushing backward, another object or air pressure. No electricity, batteries or gravity was allowed. Their vehicles had to be capable of running for at least two meters and staying within a given track.

In mid-December, these 10- and 11-year-old students demonstrated their vehicles at their culminating event. Vehicles ranged from the simple (paper towel roll and CD wheels) to elaborate constructs using Legos. Propulsion methods included propellers, balloons, straws and fans.

Student Jake Krettlin said he thought “it was really cool to see all the projects. Some kids did really simple things like a rubber band and crayon. Other kids used things more complicated like an air compressor to make their car go.”

Students were optimistic that their vehicles would work but even when they didn’t, they had an opportunity to problem solve and learn from their mistakes. Dario DeLorenzo explained, “I understand now that things aren’t always going to go my way and I have to see what needs to be fixed to make it work.”

Tyler Cook and Colin Thor agreed.

Tyler said he “learned more by trying to fix it!”

Colin added that “even though my project didn’t work, I am really connected to it. I know what I need to do to fix it. I am not going to give up.”

Editor's note: Deborah Skolnik is the dean of administration at Charyl Stockwell Academy.