Understanding Energy Graphs (Simulations) - These simulations are helpful in understanding how energy graphs work.
Both of these tutorials come from an algebra-based wesbsite that is organized to prepare students for the AP Physics I Test. They have excellent explanations, but few problem answers.
These are energy LOL graph diagrams and assignments we have used in the past in Physics class. We will continue to do most of our problem-solving work in class throughout the block-scheduling time period.
As a biomechanical application for this unit, we look at why people bend their knees when they land from a jump. As an example, we look at the possibility of jumping from the top of the bleachers, and landing with bent knees vs locked knees.
The full lab for this unit involves measuring coefficient of restitution (COR) for athletic balls. The lab can be carried out ONE of three ways:
Variables: Ball Type and COR/Constants: Surface and Drop Height
Variables: Surface and COR/Constants: Ball Type and Drop Height
Variables: Drop Height and COR/Constants: Ball Type and Surface
CONTROL: COR Value = 1.0
The purpose of the lab is "To use energy transfer to determine how the (XXXXX) affects the COR values of bounce height and velocity of the ball on successive bounces".
Lab Questions:
How does ball type, drop height, and rebound surface affect COR?
What effect does the combination of factors have on COR?
How does COR relate to the concepts of energy and momentum.
If-Then-Due-To Hypothesis: "If (XXXXXX), then the coefficient of restitution will vary due to the ability of the ball and surface to transfer energy.
This is the external source article for the lab. The citation is given below the title of the article.
The skeptical question topic for this unit involves human ability to survive impact collisions. Skeptical questions are thoughtful "Why-based" questions which address biases in scientific material. This type of question is not seeking scientific facts.
The articles associated with this topic are listed below:
For the last couple of years, this has been a summary experience for the "mechanics" units in Physics before moving on to electricity and waves. This case study allows for measuring almost everything we've covered in Physics so far.
This spreadsheet is accessible to all students. With this in mind, PLEASE BE ON THE APPROPRIATE TERM OR YEAR BEFORE ENTERING ANY DATA!
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is the recognized organization for testing and rating car safety in the United States. Use their vehicle search feature on https://www.iihs.org/ to find and record the ratings for your vehicle. The document below can be used to organize the screenshots taken of your car ratings.
Variables: (x) Container Design, (y) Egg Survival Rating
Constants: Egg Size and Shape, Container Constraints
Control: Egg Survives With No Damage
Egg Survival Scale:
Egg survives with NO DAMAGE.
Egg survives with minimal cracking, but no fluid leaking.
Egg experiences cracking and fluid leaking but is structurally intact.
Egg experiences massive trauma and is no longer structurally intact.
Container Constraints:
The container must fit within the size restrictions given.
The container must allow the egg to "breath".
The container must include at least three "layers of protection".
The container must be designed to mimic a vehicle in order to determine "collision direction".
How did the container design affect egg survival?
Which containers were most and least effective?
How did the container constraints affect the design of the containers and the eggs' survival?
Slingshot Intro Lab
Practice (Energy LOL and Momentum TOT graphs and problems; Knee Bend calculations, Surviving Car Crash article points)
80% Quiz #1
80% Quiz #2
Quiz Reflections