0 • Scientific Thinking and Tools

These standards for this unit are below and in the downloadable Learning Log at the bottom of the page. Refer to the syllabus for our grading plan.

Essential Question

How can we develop tools (variable, linearization, ...) and skills to be most successful in AP Physics?

Here is the Google Form to report on your standards progress. Please come back to it often for a snapshot of your current understanding.

Linearization

It is likely that the data collected in this investigation is non-linear. What simple mathematical function can be used to simplify the data to approximately a linear relationship? This is a nice 5 minute tutorial on using Logger Pro to create a calculated column to linearize data. This will be helpful after we have a conversation in class about the usefulness of linearization.

Uncertainty

For a good reference on measurement uncertainty for particular measuring tools, check out this article. Use this to carefully determine the appropriate uncertainly in the measurement tools used in this investigation. Take some notes on uncertainty calculations that you can refer back to as we work together.

Whiteboard Presentation...what to include on the board - to share (#s are which standard)

• Variables:
  • Range of data collected (1, 2)
  • Uncertainty of data (2, 4)
• Sketch a plot of the raw data (3) (sketch means just that - a quick drawing not a detailed graph)
• Sketch a plot of the linearized data (3)
• Describe the relationship developed qualitatively and quantitatively (3)
• Share your prediction and the % error once you tested it (5)