Quick Tips for Designing a Newton’s Cradle
Carol Davis
STEM Challenge- students design a Newton’s Cradle to show the 3rd Law of Motion. This STEM Challenge is designed for upper elementary or middle school students.
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Get ready to defy gravity and ignite curiosity with our Newton’s Cradle STEM challenge! It’s perfect for elementary students to explore momentum, energy, and Newton’s 3rd Law.

If you have ever had a Newton’s Cradle in your classroom then you will understand the fascination with this STEM Challenge! Kids absolutely love to watch a Newton’s Cradle clack endlessly together.

I promise the first time we tried this challenge my fifth graders actually cheered when I announced what we were doing.

It’s the Famous Newton’s Cradle Challenge!

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Tip 1- What is a Newton’s Cradle?

What happens if you pull up two balls and release them? Two marbles fly out on the other side. This also works for three or four marbles!

TIP: Purchase one of these devices to show students how they work! Spend time talking about the Law of Motion and why the marbles bounce they way they do.

Tip 2 – Steps to Building a Newtons’ Cradle

Here is where the adventure begins! I thought it would be really neat to build a Newton’s Cradle!

The photos below show marbles hanging correctly.

TIP 3 – More String Problems

TIP 4 – Square the Frame

Tip 5 – Attaching the Marbles

ONE LAST TIP: This challenge is for 5th graders and above. I would also advise using this one with students that are accustomed to completing STEM Challenges. The resource will give you a lot more direction in the detailed teacher’s guide along with many more tips!

Give this fabulous challenge a try! It’s a sure-fire way to engage your students with a fun project!

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