Task 1: Save Sir Isaac Newton Using a Mini Zip Line

Context:
This is Task 1 (Lesson 1) of four tasks (lessons) of an overall project of “Escaping 7th Grade Science Room”
This lesson takes place in a classroom for one or more hours
Students may work in small groups of 2-4.
An emphasis on construction and explanation of a mini zipline
Facilitate student reflection on Newton’s Law of Gravity as well as the Earth’s gravitational force
List of Materials:

Cut-out of Sir Isaac Newton (2) per group (included – Slide 13 )

Task card (included – Slide 14 )

(6 – 8ft) of dental floss per group

(2) Straws per group

6 pieces of tape per group

(2) Paperclips per group

Scissors

Paper and pencil
Discuss that this is “Task 1” of the “Escape 7th Grade Science Room”
Discuss the functionality of zip lines
Review Newton’s Law of Gravity
Review gravitational force related to the Earth
Construct and Engineer a mini zip line that will carry a paper cartoon of Sir Isaac Newton from a high place to a low place to “unlock” next task.
Complete task card to explain Newton’s law and gravitational force/pull as well as draw a design of the zip line