BHS -> Staff -> Mr. Stanbrough -> Physics -> Mechanics -> Newton's Laws -> Newton's First Law -> this page
To demonstrate the "objects at rest" part of Newton's First Law.
3 pieces of chalk and a narrow strip of paper
Place the strip of paper so at least half of it hangs over the edge of a table. Stand the chalk on end on the paper. Holding the free end of the paper, deliver a sharp blow between the end of the paper and the edge of the table with your free hand.
This is similar to, but not as impressive as, the TableCloth Demo.