Serc: Investigating Newton's 3rd Law: Coin Flick

In this elementary physics investigation, students explore Newton's 3rd Law of Motion: To every action there is an equal & opposite reaction. Pairs of students will line up 5 pennies, (touching each other), between 2 rulers. The row of pennies should be an inch from one end of the rulers. They will place a 6th penny on the other end between the rulers & flick it at the 5 coins. Students will repeat the activity several times. They will draw a diagram of their observations. Students will repeat the process, flicking 2 coins, then 3 coins at the row of 5 coins & drawing what they observe. Students will summarize their understanding of the 3rd law of motion & think of another evidence and/or application of the law in their everyday lives.