IMAGINE it's 2050 in the Marvel Universe. Climate change has turned many parts of Earth into an uninhabitable wasteland, and popular cities like Denver have become ultra-crowded. Wakandan researchers have left behind a massive amount of data about star systems and planets, and with some careful research you can identify a viable planet for whoever you choose to invite. 

So, how does physics fit in? To find viable candidate systems, first CLICK HERE to make a copy of the SYSTEM PARALLAX DATABASE. (Bookmark your copy, so it's easy to find!) Use the guiding questions/instructions below to find a system that's close enough to travel there within your lifetime, assuming 0.5 light speed travel*.

Then follow these instructions to determine a viable candidate:

1. How can PARALLAX be used to find which systems are closest? What relationship exists between parallax and distance?   Reading 1: Parallax and Distance

2. Once you know a relationship, use a Google Sheets formula to auto-calculate distance. You can then use the green triangles to sort by distance and find the closest systems.   Reading 2: Formulas in Google Sheets

3. Of the closest systems, which systems show radiation exposure below a safe level? Reading 3: Dangerous Levels of Radiation 

4. After you have a system, you'll still need to figure out a viable planet within that system... But we'll cross that bridge you come to it.

When you find a viable planet, submit its name, along with a correct distance in light years, to claim it for your team, then await further instructions - remember, if another team or person claimed a certain planet, you may have to choose a backup.

★★ EA Pendulum Challenge (CER):

Make a claim about how *multiple* variables affect the time it takes for an object on a string to swing back and forth. (HINT: An algebraic model is a claim.)

NOTE: The time taken to swing from left to right, then left again (one FULL cycle) is called a period, usually measured in units of seconds.

     • To begin, practice collecting data using PhET at bit.ly/phetpendulum2. Click "Lab", and use the "period timer" to measure period.

     • Next, carry out *multiple* experiments with real masses and string. Each experiment needs a different IV (mass, length, angle, etc.) but the same DV (period). (Rule of thumb: a good experiment has 5 IV values, repeated 3-5 times for each.)

     • Use your results to decide which variables show a relationship and which don't. Then, use linearization to construct an algebraic model that can be used to make predictions, with uncertainty. (If you get stuck, this video may help.)

    FAQ: "Why can't I just fit a curve??" Well, linearization is a useful skill for AP, and it ends up giving you more useful models than curve fitting - in a word, it helps you SIMPLIFY using *only* the most relevant data.

     • EXTREME CHALLENGE: Use your algebraic model to predict the period of an unknown mass swing from a length 3m or longer! Now... where can you test your prediction?

★ ★ ★ ★ To get CREDIT for this Challenge: Copy-Paste a link to your work in a Google Doc USING THIS FORM . Present your Results in a Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) format - like the CER example shown here. Good evidence can include measurements, calculations, graphs, diagrams, photographs. ★ ★

★ Energy Transfer Diagram (MJ):

Design your own "Energy Transfer Diagram" to describe a phenomenon.

An Energy Transfer Diagram is quite different from a bar chart. It doesn't show energy forms. Instead, it shows the objects and interactions that store and transfer energy.

Mr K is working with a team of teachers and scientists to help create new physics projects, and the team wants your help thinking about how to make Energy Transfer Diagrams (Really - I mean it, this is true!). This challenge is a cool opportunity to contribute to a real scientific team by doing some creative science modeling.

This challenge will be confusing BECAUSE we haven't done it before - these diagrams literally don't exist yet, that's why we need your help! You can do your work in a Google Drawing or Slide, look through the suggestions and examples below and DRAW YOUR DIAGRAM HOWEVER IT MAKES SENSE TO YOU, about any situation or phenomenon you want! This video will guide you through some of the basics to get you started.

     • The energy transfer diagram has a few rules:

1. We define a system by drawing a dotted circle around specific objects, but some objects can be outside the system. We identify objects in our system using specific words: skater, ground, Earth, battery, person. 

2. If two objects interact and transfer energy, we show energy boxes moving along an arrow inside or outside the system.

3. All energy transfer arrows should be labeled with one or two words that describe the interaction:

   • For Ek transfers, we usually label the arrow as "object moving".

   • For transfers to Etherm, we usually refer to the increase in temperature as "particles moving" - that's what increasing temperature means!

   • Any energy stored as Eg must be labeled between the Earth and the object, to show that the "gravitational field" stores the energy. Rather than using an arrow we just use a line.

  • For some situations, it could make sense to define a system that doesn't include all objects. Defining a system is a very personal thing for a scientist - there aren't any rules, but people tend to do certain things a certain way. For example, if energy transfers to Etherm through friction or impact we will often label an object called "surroundings" and put it outside the system.

★★ SHM Beat Match Challenge:

Choose a song with a clear beat, then build a mass-spring simple harmonic oscillator that matches the beat of your song.

ONLINE VERSION:

• To begin, use this simulation to experiment with objects and springs to get a feel for what factors affect the "period" of a "simple harmonic oscillation." Try using a) the same mass, comparing two springs of different stiffness, and b) the same spring stiffness, comparing two objects of different mass.  Once you see how it all works, click over to the LAB section of the simulation. 

• Learn how to find the "spring stiffness constant" (k) for a spring, then dial in a value on the lab version of the simulation - if you want to be able to come back to you work later, it may help to slide it all the way to "Small" or "Large". (more info on spring stiffness)

• Research simple harmonic motion (SHM) in a mass-spring system to learn more about the algebra behind factors that affect period. 

• Choose a song you like that has a clear beat, then use an online tool to determine the "BPM" tempo of the song. Use units conversion to express this value as a "period" in seconds.

• Make measurements and calculations to determine any quantities (spring constant, mass, length, etc.) that will create a mass-spring system that matches the beat of your song. Document your calculations on paper or in a Google Doc.

IN PERSON VERSION: Let me know if you'd like materials to try this in person, and I'll clarify instructions.

★ ★ To get CREDIT for this Challenge: Copy-Paste a link to your work in a Google Doc USING THIS FORM . Good evidence can include measurements, calculations, graphs, diagrams, photographs. ★ ★

★ Energy Transfer Diagram (MJ):

Design your own "Energy Transfer Diagram" to describe a phenomenon.

An Energy Transfer Diagram is quite different from a bar chart. It doesn't show energy forms. Instead, it shows the objects and interactions that store and transfer energy.

Mr K is working with a team of teachers and scientists to help create new physics projects, and the team wants your help thinking about how to make Energy Transfer Diagrams (Really - I mean it, this is true!). This challenge is a cool opportunity to contribute to a real scientific team by doing some creative science modeling.

This challenge will be confusing BECAUSE we haven't done it before - these diagrams literally don't exist yet, that's why we need your help! You can do your work in a Google Drawing or Slide, look through the suggestions and examples below and DRAW YOUR DIAGRAM HOWEVER IT MAKES SENSE TO YOU, about any situation or phenomenon you want! This video will guide you through some of the basics to get you started.

     • The energy transfer diagram has a few rules:

1. We define a system by drawing a dotted circle around specific objects, but some objects can be outside the system. We identify objects in our system using specific words: skater, ground, Earth, battery, person. 

2. If two objects interact and transfer energy, we show energy boxes moving along an arrow inside or outside the system.

3. All energy transfer arrows should be labeled with one or two words that describe the interaction:

   • For Ek transfers, we usually label the arrow as "object moving".

   • For transfers to Etherm, we usually refer to the increase in temperature as "particles moving" - that's what increasing temperature means!

   • Any energy stored as Eg must be labeled between the Earth and the object, to show that the "gravitational field" stores the energy. Rather than using an arrow we just use a line.

  • For some situations, it could make sense to define a system that doesn't include all objects. Defining a system is a very personal thing for a scientist - there aren't any rules, but people tend to do certain things a certain way. For example, if energy transfers to Etherm through friction or impact we will often label an object called "surroundings" and put it outside the system.

★★ EA Force and Distance Challenge (CER):

Use measurements from a simulation to make an algebraic claim that the effect of distance on force in a simulation is consistent with EITHER:

a) Newton's Law of Gravitation     OR      b) Coulomb's Law  

• The dependent variable in your experiment will be the force of interaction. The independent variable is up to you: mass (m), distance (r), or charge (q) .  Choose the relationship and variable that seem more interesting to you:

• • a) Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation describes interaction of particles that have mass: Investigate the effect of distance on gravitational force using this simulation.  (If you want, watch this video to help you get started...)

  • b) Coulomb's Law describes the interaction of charged particles:  Investigate the effect of distance on electric force using this simulation.  (If you want, watch this video to help you get started...)

• Use linearization to construct a graph and build an algebraic model   OR   fit a curve using Desmos, the online graphing calculator.

• Construct an argument to connect the model you built to one of the relationships above. HINT: Pay close attention to the value of the coefficient in your model - you'll need to do some cool algebra to interpret how this coefficient connects to the other values besides the IV and DV.

★ ★ To get CREDIT for this Challenge: Copy-Paste a link to your work IN THIS FORM .  You can link to a Google Doc or a PUBLISHED page on your site.  Present your Results in a Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) format - like the CER example shown here. Good evidence can include measurements, calculations, graphs, diagrams, photographs, etc.  ★ ★

★★ ETM Launcher Efficiency Challenge (CER):

Make a claim about the value of the efficiency of a marble launcher, with uncertainty (range of values).

     • Start by finding the stiffness constant of the spring inside the launcher (ETM 11 Part 2), then use this stiffness to predict and test for height. 

     • You will find that your prediction is FAR GREATER than the test. To fix your model, you'll need to investigate the assumptions you made about a perfect energy transfer. Watch ETM 12 and ETM 13 for details on how to connect bar charts to algebra, and construct a new algebraic model that contains a factor for the efficiency of the launcher.

   HINT: You only need a range of values for EITHER spring stiffness OR efficiency, not both.

     • Efficiency may not be exactly the same for each launcher, or even each NOTCH on the same launcher! For an even more valid claim, investigate efficiency using multiple notches, and try to find a pattern.

★ ★ To get CREDIT for this Challenge: Copy-Paste a link to your work IN THIS FORM .  You can link to a Google Doc or a PUBLISHED page on your site. Present your Results in a Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) format - like the CER example shown here. Good evidence can include measurements, calculations, graphs, diagrams, photographs, etc. ★ ★

★★ Mass Challenge (PTR): 

Use Newton's 2nd Law to calculate the mass of a rolling object (person on a rolling chair/skateboard, car) using data about force and acceleration.

     • Determine the object you'll be experimenting with - four students can work together to perform the experiment on a car, or two students can experiment using a student on wheels - and identify a method for applying a constant force to accelerate the object.

     • Determine a method for measuring acceleration, using x-t data, algebraic models from kinematics, or even a motion sensor. Repeat your method multiple times with the same constant force value, in order to account for and quantify uncertainty.

     • Depending on your system, friction is probably significant - determine a method for quantifying friction, and use this data in your calculations. (Remember, F ≠ ma!)

Complete your work in the Checkpoint Document for the Interactions Summit Project, using a Predict-Test-Reflect format. bit.ly/ptrphysics

Suggested Representations: force diagram ; annotated algebra with units and explicit steps ;  justification of algebra steps with words

Part A) Predict & Justify

Part B) Test, Compare/Contrast, Reflect

★★ DCC Internal Resistance Challenge (CER):

Make a claim about the "internal resistance" of a battery or battery pack. Your claim should be a specific value, and your evidence should consist of measured values and circuit diagrams.

     • Internal resistance is a useful way to model a real life batteries. As a battery puts out more and more current, the PD across it decreases. Click the link to learn more about how internal resistance is useful as a model.

     • To get started, build a circuit with one battery connected to one "load" resistor. Draw a circuit diagram with an "ideal" power source with the "internal resistance" and the load resistance in series. Analyze this circuit as a voltage divider (DCC 4).

Present your Results as a webpage on your site in a Claim-Evidence-Reasoning format - like the example shown here. Good evidence can include measurements, calculations, graphs, diagrams, photographs, etc. 

★★ CVM Timeless Buggy Challenge (PTR): 

Predict and test a collision point for two buggies of unknown velocity WITHOUT using any time measurements.

     • You know how to do this using a stopwatch, but this challenge is more difficult. It CAN be done!!!

★ ★ Present your Results as a webpage on your site, in a Predict-Test format - like one cycle of the Prediction Olympics. Part A) PREDICT & JUSTIFY,  Part B) TEST & COMPARE/CONTRAST ★ ★

★ CAM Velocity Graph Challenge: Use video analysis to a) build a velocity graph and b) make a claim about an object experiencing constant acceleration.

     • Start by doing video analysis using a PC (not a Chromebook) or Mac  with Logger Pro OR download a phone app called CMV Edu and measure position with a ruler on your phone screen. Then, turn your position data into a velocity graph.

     • If you prefer to choose one of these videos, analyze frame-by-frame with a ruler on your Chromebook screen.

     ★★ For a bonus star, find a situation where acceleration points opposite velocity AND the same direction as velocity, in one continuous scenario. (Click for an example.)

Present your Results as a webpage on your site in a Claim-Evidence-Reasoning format - like the example shown here. Good evidence can include measurements, calculations, graphs, diagrams, photographs, etc. 

★ BFM Climber Challenge: Make a claim about balanced forces in a "climber force diagram" of yourself suspended from a rope at an angle.

     • See this guide for instructions  on how to set up the climbing apparatus.

★★ CM Flying Pig Challenge: Make a claim about the period of the flying pig's rotation using only a meter stick.

     • Start with a force diagram!!

     • If you're stuck, you can measure the mass of the pig.

★ CVM Buggy Collision Challenge:

Use an ALGEBRAIC and GRAPHICAL solution to predict and test a collision point for a red a blue buggy, given an initial position and direction for both.

     • Find the speed of each buggy, using a displacement and a time interval.

     • Set the buggies in quarantine, and ask Mr K for a starting position and direction for each buggy.

     • Build algebraic models for each buggy, and SOLVE for the collision point using both algebra and a graph.

★ ★ Present your Results as a webpage on your site, in a Predict-Test format - like one cycle of the Prediction Olympics. Part A) PREDICT & JUSTIFY,  Part B) TEST & COMPARE/CONTRAST ★ ★