Newtons 3rd law of motion isn't always easy to show in a lab. I like this activity for its simplicity and relevance. In this activity, students use BBs and pullback cars to demonstrate how when the car goes forward, it's pushing backward on the ground. Extension ideas are provided for digging deeper to help solidify the concept for students. Most students have the sense that only people can exert a force such as a push--and don't realize that walls, tables, the ground, etc can push things too. This surprising fact is fundamental to understanding Newton's third law. 
 
Concepts Addressed
For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
The forces are opposite in direction and equal in degree, (the accelerations--change in movements depend on the size of the object being moved).
Forces always come in pairs.

Materials Needed per setup: pull-back car, BBs or pellets, cardboard, large box or tray
 
Prep Needed  Gather supplies

Teaching Time   20-30 min
 
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