Set up a track. Place two yard sticks parallel to each other, about 2 inches apart. Place one marble in the middle of the track, then roll another marble into it. Notice that when the rolling marble collides with the still marble, it stops, transferring its motion to the still marble. Try placing two touching marbles on the track and rolling another into them. Notice the rolling marble bumps into the first marble and stops, causing the second marble to roll. Experiment by rolling different amounts of marbles. The number of marbles rolled should equal the number of still marbles set into motion.
This activity mimics what magicians do when pulling a table cloth out from a table set with dishes. Students will need a glossy book cover or large piece of smooth paper, two hardcover books -- one with a glossy cover and one with a rough cover and about three or four random objects. To begin the experiment, place the glossy book on top of the book cover, then yank it out in one smooth, fast motion. Students should observe what happens and jot it in a notebook. Continue testing other objects, placing them on the book cover, pulling it out and noting what happens. Students should pay attention to what happens with each particular object, noting if weight or mass has any effect. Ask students to think how this activity relates to the law of inertia.
Use a tennis ball and a target to experiment with dropping a ball onto a target while running. To begin, place a target on the ground and then stand back about 10 yards at the starting line. Run toward the target, holding the tennis ball still, then drop it at the target while still in motion. Be careful not to throw the ball at the target. Spotters need to watch carefully to see where the ball is released and where it hits the ground. Experiment with different speeds and release points until the ball hits the target. Students should monitor and record each effort carefully to determine the relationship to the law of inertia.
Fill a jar with sand or flour, packing tightly. Fill an identical jar with iron fillings or small lead pellets. Create two ramps from identical three-ring binders. Place each jar at the top of the ramp and release them at the same time. Measure the distance each jar traveled from the base of the ramp to its resting point. Record the results and repeat the experiment on different surfaces, such as tile, carpet, wood or linoleum. Analyze the results by noticing how far each jar rolled on each surface, looking for trends.