How to Make a Simple Newton’s Cradle Science Experiment

Learn how energy is transfered from one object to another in this newton’s cradle experiment. For this physics experiments for kids, you will make a diy newtons cradle to explore how what happens when two objects colide. This newton’s third law project ideas is fun for all ages from preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, first grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and 4th grade students. With a few simple materials I will show you how to make a newton’s cradle project.

newton’s cradle experiment

Discover the wonders of physics with a hands-on DIY project: a Newton’s Cradle! This engaging experiment not only captivates the imagination but also provides a clear demonstration of energy transfer and momentum in action. By colliding objects, we can visually experience Newton’s third law of motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Why is this project perfect for kids? It’s simple, fun, and educational! Using just a few materials like marbles, string, and a sturdy base, you can create a working model that illustrates physics principles in a way that is easy to understand. As you swing one marble and watch the chain reaction unfold, you’ll see how energy is transferred from one ball to the next, providing a tangible lesson in dynamics.

This activity is suitable for all ages, from preschoolers to fourth graders. It encourages curiosity and critical thinking by prompting children to ask questions about motion and forces. How does the height of the swing affect the speed? What happens if you change the number of balls? These inquiries ignite a love for science and can lead to more complex explorations in the future.

Gather the materials, follow along, and watch your kids turn into little scientists.

We have lots more fun science experiments for kids including volcano project ideas, easy rocket experiment, amazing color changing flower experiment, easy magnet experiments for kids, and bernoulli’s principle for kids

diy newtons cradle

All you need to try this physics experiment are a few simple materials including:

• 5 bouncy balls
• 5 pushpins
• thread
• 4 identical bottles at least 8″ tall
• 4 bamboo skewers
• ruler
• tape

newton’s third law project ideas

Carefully stick a pushpin into each of the bouncy balls. Now cut FIVE 17-inch long pieces of thread. Tie the center of one thread around the pushpin in the bouncy ball.  Repeat with all 5 bouncy balls.

newton’s cradle project

Make sure all bottles are filled with liquid and have their cap securely in place.  Place bottles at four corners of a rectangle that is 6 inches wide and 10 inches long. Set bamboo skewers across the bottles to form a rectangle. The shorter side wil have some of the stick hanging off on both ends. Now tape the skewers to the lids of the bottles to hod them in place.

diy newton’s cradle

Tie the ends of the bouncy ball’s thread on opposite long side skewers makign sure that each ball hangs at the exact same heigh all in a row.

newton’s cradle diy

They should all hang so they are almost touching and as low as possible. Add tape to the stick to ensure that each string doens’t slide around.

how to make a newton’s cradle

Now it’s time to try your Newtons Cradle! Carefully pull back one ball from one end and let it go.

newton’s cradle

Watch the ball on the other end fly out!

Physics Experiments for Kids

Now try pulling back two balls and see how many balls fly out the other side.

how to make newton’s cradle

His third law states that for every action (force) in nature there is an equal and opposite reaction. If object A exerts a force on object B, object B also exerts an equal and opposite force on object A.

newton’s cradle science fair project

Whenever two objects collide the total amount of kinetic energy stays the same. How much energy depends on the objects mass and the speed at which the items collide. So if the fast- moving object hits another object of the same mass that is sititng still, the momentum (movement) is transferred from the fast object to the still object. If the collision is statice, energy is not lost to friction, the still object will move at the same speed as the fast object and will not stop. In Newton’s cradle all the balls have the same mass and the hard rubber makes for a mostly elastic collision.

simple physics experiments with everyday materials

Want to take it a step farther? What if you tried using ping pong balls which are lighter than the bouncy balls. Would it still work the same?