I know that many of you are thinking “Why would you introduce an Atwood Machine in first year physics?” Trust me-this introduction to an Atwood Machine is very basic and simple and I really use it to help students start to visualize free-body diagrams. The math that they do along the way is really an added bonus! When students get into AP level or advanced level physics and they have to do Atwood Machine calculations, it is so much easier to introduce that concept when students have seen an Atwood Machine before and actually know what one is. I think if you look over the lab that you will realize that it is introduced on a level that is very possible for first year physics students.