Activity 1
Newton’s Third Law
Have one of the participants sit on the skateboard facing one end and catch a basketball (not with their arms outstretched but into their chest). Ask: What happens? How far did the skateboard travel? Why?
Then have the participant on the skateboard throw the basketball to someone who is standing. Ask: What happens? How far did the skateboard travel? Was it different from when the sitter caught the ball?
Extend this experiment in a variety of ways by using medicine balls, beach balls, or other balls to see how they change the reaction; throwing with different forces (harder throws, softer throws); and placing the skateboard on gravel, carpet, grass, or hardwood floors to incorporate friction (drag) into the experiment.
Then ask a participant to stand on the skateboard and step off. (Be sure to offer a hand to the person stepping off the skateboard.) Have the participants discuss what happens. Ask: How is this similar to the ball experiments?
Other items can be used if a skateboard is not available, like a wagon, tricycle, or other wheeled toy.
Discuss the scenario as it applies in aviation, incorporating the concepts of friction and thrust. Friction is drag. Different balls thrown with different forces are thrust. Discuss how a different engine or a different shape of fuselage can change flying characteristics. Discuss icing and its effect on how a plane flies.