In the final weeks of Term 3, Class 10 students at Parkerville Steiner College embarked on a richly engaging Main Lesson in Physics, centered on Mechanic Forces in Motion. Throughout the three weeks, students were invited to deeply connect with the true spirit of scientific discovery by exploring both qualitative and quantitative ways of understanding the world around them. We began with an extended pendulum study, where students first practiced mindful, quiet observation of its graceful movement. Gradually, they explored changes in variables like mass, length, and release angle- without measuring- allowing them to notice patterns and develop their own hypotheses. In the next stage, they gathered real measurements to test their ideas, learning how evidence can confirm or challenge their thinking.   

Throughout this journey, discussions arose around the natural tension between scientific ideals and the imperfections of real experiments. Students reflected on the effects of friction, air resistance, and timing challenges, coming to appreciate that the unpredictability of the physical world is part of what makes science so fascinating and relevant to life itself.

Their understanding of mechanics grew further through hands-on experiments with gravity, using free-fall and inclined planes set up with everyday school materials alongside familiar objects like cars and marbles. Newton’s three laws came to life in simple yet powerful experiments - particularly through the use of cups of water, which beautifully illustrated inertia and the movement of liquids within.