Explain Newton’s Laws Using Skateboarding

Make abstract physics principles tangible through real-world sports applications.

Teaching Context:
Perfect for Year 9 to Year 11 Physics when studying forces and motion.

Basic AI Prompt:
Explain Newton’s three laws using skateboarding.

Enhanced AI Prompt:
ou are learning about forces and motion. Ask AI to explain each of Newton’s Laws of Motion (inertia, force = mass × acceleration, and action-reaction) using examples from skateboarding. For example, how does a skateboarder’s start, jump, and landing demonstrate these laws? Then, ask AI to suggest three experiments or stunts a skateboarder could do to illustrate these laws in action.

Spice it Up (Optional Extension):
Ask AI to write a commentary script describing a skateboarding competition using physics terms.

Lesson Implementation:
Begin with a class demonstration (or video) of skateboarding tricks. Identify where Newton’s laws are visible. Students use AI to build detailed skateboarding examples for each law. They create a poster, slide deck, or short video explaining the laws through their chosen examples.

For practical application, students design a safe, classroom-scale demonstration using toy skateboards or similar props. Wrap up with a quiz where students match sports to the law they illustrate. This builds real-world understanding of physics concepts.

Got ideas on different ways to use this prompt? Share them with the class in the comments below!

Also, if you liked this, you'll love the thousands of subject-specific AI prompts in our books section!