Sometimes there is a bit of a gulf between what the students learn in Algebra 1 and their 8th grade physical science class. To get through problems involving position of falling objects, a physical science teacher might be tempted to give equations of motion that must be used, but may not necessarily feel like taking the time to explain the derivation of the equations.

I’m a big fan of understanding WHY an equation is the way it is, intuitively if possible, so that if forgotten, it could be re-derived from one’s basic understanding at any moment. Well, that’s the goal at least. To that end, I’ve created a four page student handout on projectile motion that I give to my “Honors” 8th grade physical science students.

It’s attached to this post, and is also available, with the free teacher’s key, here:  http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Projectile-Motion-Notes

I’ve also made a few videos on Youtube that explain these notes, so you can share them with absent students:

Hope you like it!

Let me know if you have suggestions for improvement, comments, questions, etc.

Happy New Year! Projectile MotionNotes