In prior grades students learned to measure, record, and calculate the average speed of objects, and to tabulate and graph the results. In grades 9-11 students learn to apply Newton’s Laws of Motion and Gravity both conceptually and quantitatively

Average velocity is defined as a change in position with respect to time. Velocity includes both speed and direction.

Average acceleration is defined as a change in velocity with respect to time. Acceleration indicates a change in speed and/or a change in direction.

An object at rest will remain at rest unless acted on by an unbalanced force. An object in motion at constant velocity will continue at the same velocity unless acted on by an unbalanced force (Newton’s First Law of Motion, the Law of Inertia).

A net force will cause an object to accelerate or change direction. A less massive object will speed up more quickly than a more massive object subjected to the same force (Newton’s Second Law of Motion, F=ma).

Whenever one object exerts a force on another object, a force of equal magnitude is exerted on the first object in the opposite direction (Newton’s Third Law of Motion).