Actions: Newton's Cradle
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create and perform actions in response to another person’s actions.
Key learning points
- Move: performing actions in response to another person’s actions requires control, balance and accurate timings.
- Think: exploring different ways of responding to an idea demonstrates problem solving.
- Feel: making contact with another performer requires all performers to act responsibly.
- Connect: delivering a high quality dance performance in groups requires collaboration.
Keywords
Newton’s Cradle - swinging balls that demonstrate Newton’s laws of energy conservation and momentum
Reaction - to respond or answer
Swing - to move in a curved line
Common misconception
Pupils think that when replicating Newtons Cradle, when we make contact with others, we have to bump or push them away.
The actions don’t have to be bumps or pushes when making contact with a partner, but instead could be any action such as a lean, a step, a jump etc.
Teacher tip
It may help to show the pupils a video of Newton's Cradle so they can picture how to create actions to bring this to life.
Equipment
additional materials: suggested music
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What choreographic relationship demonstrates a ‘domino effect’?
Q2.What skill does making sure everyone has enough space demonstrate?
Q3.What does relying on other people require?
Q4.Which of the following does not help to create a ‘unified’ effect?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What type of action can we use to make contact with a partner?
Q2.What do we mean by ‘to respond or answer’?
Q3.What could we call moving in a curved line?
Q4.Which life skill helps us to ensure our contact actions are performed safely?
To help you plan your 6 physical education lesson on: Actions: Newton's Cradle, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 physical education lesson on: Actions: Newton's Cradle, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 2 physical education lessons from the Dance: the power of unity unit, dive into the full primary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.