Teacher Directions for Newton’s First Law Station Lab

Input Stations Output Stations

✓ Read It! ✓ Organize It!
Print several copies of the reading so that multiple students Students should do two Input stations before attempting
can read at different paces. There are two versions of the this one.
reading passage:
✓ Illustrate It!
Dependent Modified Make sure to include colored pencils, markers, crayons, etc.

✓ Assess It!
✓ Watch It! Students should do two Input stations before completing
The video is on YouTube. These are the URLs used in this this one. This station is a good one to use for an
station lab. assessment/grade.

http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/fo ✓ Write It!

rces-and-motion/inertia.htm This station is not included for Modified learners.

✓ Explore It! Students should do two Input stations before attempting

For this station you will need cups, index cards, and coins. this one.

✓ Research It! ✓ Challenge It!

This station is not included for Modified learners. This station is not included for Modified learners.

These are the URLs used in this station lab. This optional station is for early finishers and Independent-
level learners.
http://javalab.org/en/inertia_en/
Full URL for Comic Strip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oi5j11FkQg

Answer Sheets
There are two versions of the answer sheet. Dependent is for on-grade learners. Modified is for learners who need more support.
Modified only has three Inputs and three outputs, and includes sentence stems.

Dependent Modified

Newton’s First Law Station Lab Version 11/2021 © Kesler Science, LLC
 Teacher Directions – Overview of Choices
There are three main ways you can use the station lab materials to explore a topic.
The first option is to use the in-class, print version. Use this version if your class isn’t 1:1 with devices, and
you are able to make printed copies.

If your students are able to move around the room in groups, you can set up nine stations around the room with
two to three copies of the materials at each station. The students move from station to station, using the materials
(usually laminated) and writing answers on their answer sheets.
If your students aren’t allowed to move around the room or share materials, you might consider doing several of the
stations together as a class (especially Watch It! and Research It!). Then, print copies of the remaining materials for
each student.
There is a modified version of the reading passage and a modified answer sheet in the print version that has fewer
stations, no Challenge It! station, and a word bank for the vocabulary section of the Assess It! station.
The second option is to use the self-contained digital version. Use this version if your students are working
remotely or if you have 1:1 devices and can’t use/share paper materials.
With this version, students open one file in PowerPoint or Google Slides and interact with it in Normal edit mode.
They type answers into text boxes and manipulate shapes to complete the station tasks. You might use this format if
your students struggle with switching between two files or two browser tabs.
There is a separate file for the modified version. It has a simplified reading passage, fewer stations, a word bank in
Assess It!, and simplified tasks.
The third option is to use the digital version that includes a Google Form. You could use this version if your
students are working remotely or if you have 1:1 devices and can’t use/share paper materials. With this version,
students open two files. The first is the station lab itself, opened in Normal edit mode in either PowerPoint or Google
Slides. The second file is a Google Form answer sheet formatted with questions that match the stations. There are
sections in the Google Form to upload screenshots of stations that have images to create/manipulate so students
don’t lose the opportunity to interact with those stations.
There is a separate file for the modified version. It has a simplified reading passage, fewer stations, a word bank in
Assess It!, and simplified tasks. The links to the Google Forms are listed in the teacher directions later in this file.

Newton’s First Law Station Lab Version 11/2021 © Kesler Science, LLC
 Teacher Directions for Print Version
When using this version of the station lab, please print the stations included in the file labeled “Print Version.” Print
from Slide 1 to the end of the Challenge It! section. Then, print your choice of answer sheet. There are two answer
sheets: (1) standard and (2) modified. (The modified answer sheet is for students with accommodations.) Both
answer sheet slides can be found after the Challenge It! slides.
You will find the teacher answer key slides for the print version in this file on slides 6 through 9. You may print them
if you wish.
If students will move from station to station and reuse materials, we recommend laminating the station
instructions and task cards before cutting them up. Make multiple sets for each station if your class is larger than
one group.
For each station, put one set of task cards in an envelope and attach the instructions page. If you will have
multiple card sets at each station, we recommend labeling each envelope and its contents with a matching number,
letter, or other symbol so that sets can be put back together if they are dropped or otherwise mixed up.
We recommend organizing any extra materials needed for each station (for example, science tools, art supplies,
etc.) in a basket, box, or other container. We also recommend providing a set of materials to go with each set of
cards you provide at each station. (For example, if you allow two groups at a station, provide two card sets and two
sets of any extra materials.) For the Illustrate It! Station, decide ahead of time if you will provide drawing/coloring
supplies or students will bring their own.
At least two of the stations, Watch It! and Research It!, require a device with an internet connection. Website
links are provided on the task cards and on Slide 1 of these teacher directions. Because sites and school filters
change often, we recommend confirming access from a school computer on the school network at least a
week before the station lab and again the day before the station lab. You can often request that a site be approved
by your IT department if you find it is blocked. If you find a site is no longer functional, email
chris@keslerscience.com so we can try to find another site as soon as possible.
On the day of the station lab, give students the printed answer sheet and explain where each station’s answers go.
Recommend to students that they complete at least two input stations before trying an output station. Allow
them to work through the stations at their own pace. Pick a station to stand near for help and spot checks; Explore
It! or Organize It! are good choices.
Some classes may need two days to complete the stations, especially the first few times. When students are done,
collect the answer sheets. Check the Assess It! station as a comprehension check. If you must give grades, choose a
different station to grade each time (in addition to Assess It!) so students will not know which ones are “important.”

Newton’s First Law Station Lab Version 11/2021 © Kesler Science, LLC
 Teacher Directions for Google Form Version
To use the Google Form version of this lab, you will need the links to the Regular or Modified Google
Form answer sheet.

Regular Google Form answer sheet:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1CG39sf8CSUmsGp9Mp9QI3LjIs2Fvc-OFSZxa1zxSdvs/copy

Modified Google Form answer sheet:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1rPWZ6FhsMhSJiMp28ddr8WylPlT17q4LL1YupB1xNlg/copy

When you click the link, you will be prompted to make a COPY of the form. Accept that prompt, then
allow Google Drive to recreate the folders necessary to store student responses.

Please do NOT attempt to edit the form found at the link on this page without making your own copy.
That would change the master copy that everyone downloads!

Depending on your Drive settings, you may get a warning that the form storage limit is near capacity. You can
modify the amount of space allocated to each of the File Upload sections in the form by clicking on the question
that is in File Upload format and changing the maximum upload size.

Once you have your own copy of the form, you can send that link to your students. They will need the Google
Form version of the station lab to see the questions and do the drag/drop activities. That file can be used as a
PowerPoint file in Normal edit mode or uploaded to Google Drive and saved as Slides format (still used in edit
mode). They will put their answers into the Google Form.

Newton’s First Law Station Lab Version 11/2021 © Kesler Science, LLC
 Teacher Directions for Digital Interactive Version

The Digital Interactive file can be used as a PowerPoint file or uploaded to Google Drive and saved as Slides
format. You could use this version if your students are working remotely or if you have 1:1 devices and can’t
use/share paper materials.
With this version, students open the file, either in PowerPoint or Google Slides, and interact with it in Normal edit
mode. They type answers into text boxes and manipulate shapes to complete the station tasks.
There is a separate file for the Modified version. It has a simplified reading passage, fewer stations, a word bank
in Assess It!, and simplified tasks.
When students are finished with the file, they should save it (Google autosaves) and submit it back to you. We
recommend scanning the slides for completion using the Slide Sorter view, then checking the Assess It! station
and one other station that you change each time you grade.

<< Slide Sorter View

Newton’s First Law Station Lab Version 11/2021 © Kesler Science, LLC
 1. __D__
Read It! Newton’s First Law Station Lab
2. __D__ TEACHER ANSWER KEY
Name ____________________________ Date _______

3. __B__
4. physics Newton’s 1st Law inertia forces gravity
Words and/or Words and/or
Words and/or Words and/or drawings that convey
Words and/or drawings that convey
drawings that convey drawings that convey the idea that gravity
drawings that convey the idea that forces
the idea that Isaac the idea that inertia is is a force exerted on
the idea that physics are pushes or pulls on
Newton developed 3 an object’s tendency your body and other
is a branch of science objects that change
laws of motion, and to resist change in objects on Earth,
- the study of forces their speed and/or
the 1st Law is The Law motion holding you down
and motion direction
of Inertia

Research It! Watch It! Explore It!

1. The red ball moves more because
it has less mass, and therefore
less inertia. Inertia is mass
dependent and is an object’s
resistance to change in motion;
objects with less inertia are easier
to move than objects with more
inertia.
2. Student answers will vary, but a
common way to state Newton’s
First Law of Motion is: “An object
at rest will remain at rest unless
acted on by an unbalanced force.
An object in motion continues in
motion with the same speed and
in the same direction unless acted
upon by an unbalanced force.”
3. Student answers will vary. For
example, when you ride a roller
coaster, you feel your stomach
jump because it has inertia while
your body moves abruptly.
1. Inertia is an object’s
resistance to change in
motion.
2. Friction is anything that
makes a moving object slow
down or stop.
3. B. It will continue to move
until it is acted on by an
unbalanced force.
4. Student answers may vary,
but the video states (at 2:14)
“Objects in motion will keep
moving at the same speed
and in the same direction
unless a force changes their
motion. Objects at rest will
stay at rest unless a force
makes them move.”
1. The penny falls into the cup
because of the Law of Inertia.
The penny begins at rest on the
paper, but when the paper is
removed, the penny wants to
remain at rest. It stays in the
same position, while gravity
brings it down.
2. Newton’s First Law (the Law of
Inertia)
3. You can catch the penny
because of Newton’s 1st law.
The penny wants to remain at
rest on your elbow, but then the
force of gravity acts upon it,
pulling it down into your hand.
4. Newton’s First Law (the Law of
Inertia)

Challenge It! Students may not have gotten to this station. If they did, they may simply have your verification here
they completed this station. Other materials could be attached.
Newton’s First Law Station Lab © Kesler Science, LLC
 Illustrate It! TEACHER ANSWER KEY Assess It! 4. inertia
1. ___C___ 5. Newton’s 1st Law
2. ___C___ 6. forces
Student answers will vary. Ensure their image
depicts one or both of the following: 3. ___D___ 7. gravity
8. physics
• An object in motion will stay in motion unless
Organize It!
acted on by an unbalanced force.
Students may simply have your
• An object at rest will stay at rest unless acted verification that they completed this
on by an unbalanced force. station.

• 1st Law: train stopping, rollercoaster,

Write It!
1. Newton’s first law states that an object in motion stays in
motion, and an object at rest stays at rest unless acted on
by an external (unbalanced) force.
2. Student answers will vary, but they should explain
something like this: As the car is moving forward, your
body shares its motion. When it abruptly turns, your body
wants to continue in its motion, so it moves in the direction
opposite of the car’s turn.
3. Student answers will vary, but they should explain
something like this: The planets are all in motion and
would continue at the same speed and direction if it wasn’t
for the force of gravity from the Sun. It is a balance of the
Sun’s gravity and the planets’ inertia that work together to
allow them to orbit.
Newton’s First Law Station Lab
magician
• 2nd Law: bowling ball, semi-truck
• 3rd Law: model rocket, balloon,
teacher
Optional: If you requested it, students
will have selected one example for
each of the three laws and explained
why it demonstrates that law. Use your
discretion to determine if they
appropriately explained the laws.
• 1st Law: An object in motion stays in
motion, and an object at rest stays at
rest unless acted on by an external
force.
• 2nd Law: F = ma ; mass and
acceleration are inversely related.
• 3rd Law: Every action has an equal
and opposite reaction.
© Kesler Science, LLC
 1. __D__ Read It! Newton’s First Law Station Lab
2. __D__
TEACHER ANSWER KEY
Name ___________________________
Date _______
3. __B__

4. physics Newton’s 1st Law inertia forces gravity

Words and/or Words and/or
Words and/or
Words and/or Words and/or drawings that convey drawings that convey
drawings that convey
drawings that convey drawings that convey the idea that forces the idea that gravity
the idea that Isaac
the idea that physics the idea that inertia is are pushes or pulls on is a force exerted on
Newton developed 3
is a branch of science an object’s tendency objects that change your body and other
laws of motion, and
- the study of forces to resist change in their speed and/or objects on Earth,
the 1st Law is The Law
and motion motion direction holding you down
of Inertia

Watch It! Explore It!

1. Inertia is an object’s resistance to 1. The penny falls into the cup because of
change in motion. the Law of Inertia. The penny begins
at rest on the paper, but when the
2. Friction is anything that makes a paper is removed, the penny wants to
moving object slow down or stop. remain at rest. It stays in the same
position, while gravity brings it down.
3. B. It will continue to move until it is
acted on by an unbalanced force. 2. Newton’s First Law (the Law of Inertia)

4. Student answers may vary, but the
video states (at 2:14): “Objects in
motion will keep moving at the same
speed and in the same direction unless
a force changes their motion. Objects
at rest will stay at rest unless a force
makes them move.”
3. You can catch the penny because of
Newton’s 1st law. The penny wants to
remain at rest on your elbow, but then
the force of gravity acts upon it, pulling
it down into your hand.
4. Newton’s First Law (the Law of Inertia)

Newton’s First Law Station Lab © Kesler Science, LLC

 Illustrate It! TEACHER ANSWER KEY Assess It!

1. ___C___

Student answers will vary. Ensure their image depicts one 2. ___C___
or both of the following:
3. ___D___
• An object in motion will stay in motion unless acted on
by an unbalanced force.
Word Bank for #4 - 8:
• An object at rest will stay at rest unless acted on by an
• physics
unbalanced force.
• Newton’s 1st Law

• inertia
Organize It!
• forces
Students may simply have your verification that they completed this
station. • gravity
• 1st Law: train stopping, rollercoaster, magician
• 2nd Law: bowling ball, semi-truck 4. inertia
• 3rd Law: model rocket, balloon, teacher

Optional: If you requested it, students will have selected one example 5. Newton’s 1st Law
for each of the three laws and explained why it demonstrates that law.
Use your discretion to determine if they appropriately explained the 6. forces
laws.
• 1st Law: An object in motion stays in motion, and an object at rest
7. gravity
stays at rest unless acted on by an external force.
• 2nd Law: F = ma ; mass and acceleration are inversely related.
8. physics
• 3rd Law: Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
Newton’s First Law Station Lab © Kesler Science, LLC
 1. __D__
Read It! Newton’s First Law Station Lab
2. __D__ DIGITAL ANSWER KEY
Name ____________________________ Date _______

3. __B__
4. physics Newton’s 1st Law inertia forces gravity
Words and/or Words and/or
Words and/or Words and/or drawings that convey
Words and/or drawings that convey
drawings that convey drawings that convey the idea that gravity
drawings that convey the idea that forces
the idea that Isaac the idea that inertia is is a force exerted on
the idea that physics are pushes or pulls on
Newton developed 3 an object’s tendency your body and other
is a branch of science objects that change
laws of motion, and to resist change in objects on Earth,
- the study of forces their speed and/or
the 1st Law is The Law motion holding you down
and motion direction
of Inertia

Research It! Watch It! Explore It!

1. The red ball moves more because
it has less mass, and therefore
less inertia. Inertia is mass
dependent and is an object’s
resistance to change in motion;
objects with less inertia are easier
to move than objects with more
inertia.
2. Student answers will vary, but a
common way to state Newton’s
First Law of Motion is: “An object
at rest will remain at rest unless
acted on by an unbalanced force.
An object in motion continues in
motion with the same speed and
in the same direction unless acted
upon by an unbalanced force.”
3. Student answers will vary. For
example, when you ride a roller
coaster, you feel your stomach
jump because it has inertia while
your body moves abruptly.
1. Inertia is an object’s
resistance to change in
motion.
2. Friction is anything that
makes a moving object slow
down or stop.
3. B. It will continue to move
until it is acted on by an
unbalanced force.
4. Student answers may vary,
but the video states (at 2:14)
“Objects in motion will keep
moving at the same speed
and in the same direction
unless a force changes their
motion. Objects at rest will
stay at rest unless a force
makes them move.”
Answers will vary based on whether
students had the supplies to
complete the activity.
1. The penny falls into the cup
because of the Law of Inertia.
The penny begins at rest on the
paper, but when the paper is
removed, the penny wants to
remain at rest. It stays in the
same position, while gravity
brings it down.
2. Newton’s First Law (the Law of
Inertia)
3. Students should explain why (or
why not) they were able to
catch the coin in their hand. If
so, it is because of Newton’s 1st
law. The penny wants to
remain at rest on your elbow,
but then the force of gravity
acts upon it, pulling it down into
your hand.

Challenge It!
Students may not have gotten to this station. If they did, they should have their work on their Slides.

Newton’s First Law Station Lab © Kesler Science, LLC

 Illustrate It! DIGITAL ANSWER KEY Assess It! 4. inertia
1. ___C___ 5. Newton’s 1st Law
2. ___C___ 6. forces
Student answers will vary. Ensure their image
depicts one or both of the following: 3. ___D___ 7. gravity
8. physics
• An object in motion will stay in motion unless
Organize It!
acted on by an unbalanced force.
Students should have placed a
• An object at rest will stay at rest unless acted star next to the following
on by an unbalanced force. scenarios:

• A train stops suddenly at the

train station and everyone in
Write It! the cars continue moving
forward.
1. Newton’s first law states that an object in motion stays in
motion, and an object at rest stays at rest unless acted on
by an external (unbalanced) force. • A rollercoaster takes off
quickly, and everyone’s heads
2. Student answers will vary, but they should explain are thrown backward towards
something like this: As the car is moving forward, your the headrest.
body shares its motion. When it abruptly turns, your body
wants to continue in its motion, so it moves in the direction • A magician quickly pulls a
opposite of the car’s turn.
tablecloth out from under a set
3. Student answers will vary, but they should explain of dishes. The dishes remain in
something like this: The planets are all in motion and the same spot.
would continue at the same speed and direction if it wasn’t
for the force of gravity from the Sun. It is a balance of the
Sun’s gravity and the planets’ inertia that work together to
allow them to orbit.
Newton’s First Law Station Lab © Kesler Science, LLC
 1. __C__ Read It! Newton’s First Law Station Lab
2. _ C__
DIGITAL ANSWER KEY
Name ___________________________
Date _______
3. __B__

4. physics Newton’s 1st Law inertia forces gravity

Words and/or Words and/or
Words and/or
Words and/or Words and/or drawings that convey drawings that convey
drawings that convey
drawings that convey drawings that convey the idea that forces the idea that gravity
the idea that Isaac
the idea that physics the idea that inertia is are pushes or pulls on is a force exerted on
Newton developed 3
is a branch of science an object’s tendency objects that change your body and other
laws of motion, and
- the study of forces to resist change in their speed and/or objects on Earth,
the 1st Law is The Law
and motion motion direction holding you down
of Inertia

Watch It! Explore It!

1. Inertia is an object’s resistance to 1. The penny falls into the cup because of
change in motion. the Law of Inertia. The penny begins at
rest on the paper, but when the paper is
2. Friction is anything that makes a removed, the penny wants to remain at
moving object slow down or stop. rest. It stays in the same position, while
gravity brings it down.
3. B. It will continue to move until it is
acted on by an unbalanced force. 2. Newton’s First Law (the Law of Inertia)

4. Student answers may vary, but the
video states (at 2:14): “Objects in
motion will keep moving at the same
speed and in the same direction unless
a force changes their motion. Objects
at rest will stay at rest unless a force
makes them move.”
3. Students should explain why (or why
not) they were able to catch the coin in
their hand. If so, it is because of
Newton’s 1st law. The penny wants to
remain at rest on your elbow, but then
the force of gravity acts upon it, pulling
it down into your hand.

Newton’s First Law Station Lab © Kesler Science, LLC

 Illustrate It! DIGITAL ANSWER KEY Assess It!

1. ___B___

Student answers will vary. Ensure their image depicts one 2. ___C___
or both of the following:
3. ___C___
• An object in motion will stay in motion unless acted on
by an unbalanced force.
Word Bank for #4 - 8:
• An object at rest will stay at rest unless acted on by an
• physics
unbalanced force.
• Newton’s 1st Law

• inertia
Organize It!
• forces

Students should have placed a star next to the following • gravity

scenarios:
4. inertia
• A train stops suddenly at the train station and everyone
in the cars continue moving forward. 5. Newton’s 1st Law

• A rollercoaster takes off quickly, and everyone’s heads

6. forces
are thrown backward towards the headrest.

• A magician quickly pulls a tablecloth out from under a 7. gravity

set of dishes. The dishes remain in the same spot.
8. physics

Newton’s First Law Station Lab © Kesler Science, LLC