Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the principles of physics as they relate to animals and their movements.

Materials and Prep

Materials:

• Pen and paper
• Access to the internet for research

Prep:

• Review any previous knowledge about animals and their movements
• Be ready to engage in hands-on activities and discussions

Activities

1. Research: Use the internet to research how different animals move and the physics behind their movements. Take notes on what you find.

2. Observations: Observe your pets or local wildlife and try to identify the physics principles at play in their movements. Write down your observations.

3. Experiment: Create a simple experiment to test how different surfaces affect the movement of toy animals. Record your findings and observations.

Eighth Grade Talking Points

• Gravity: "Gravity is the force that pulls objects towards the center of the Earth. It affects the way animals move and interact with their environment."
• Friction: "Friction is the force that opposes motion when two surfaces rub against each other. It can affect how animals walk, run, or slide."
• Momentum: "Momentum is the tendency of an object in motion to stay in motion. It plays a role in how animals move and navigate their surroundings."
• Energy: "Animals use energy to move and perform activities. Understanding how energy is transferred and transformed can help us understand their movements."