The Franklin Institute Traveling Science Show recently came to Elk Ridge Elementary School for an assembly titled “Motion & Machines,” during which the first and second grade students learned about the basic physics of motion. Joseph Talento of the Franklin Institute called on several student volunteers to help him demonstrate how Newton’s Laws of Motion explains the motions we see and do every day. Talento demonstrated how we use simple machines such as the lever, wheel, pulley, and inclined plane to overcome the forces of friction and gravity and get things to move. With help from first grader Xavier Martinez, Talento showed how Newton’s laws can even be applied to playing Wiffle Ball. The Franklin Institute visit was made possible through Market Day funds raised at Elk Ridge.