An approach to teach Newton's second Law is presented using computational modeling such that more real and contemporary problems may be treated, besides the traditional linear examples. This is illustrated with the software Modellus, which allows users (students or teachers) to explore mathematical models based on differential equations or on functions. The equations, parameters and initial conditions required to model each discussed situation are given, allowing the reader to implement the suggested activities even if he/she prefers to use some other software.
