Your group must demonstrate some basic knowledge of the physics of driving. You must demonstrate this knowledge through a two-to three minute presentation to academy instructors. At a minimum, the presentation must explain the following:

• the relationships among following distance, braking distance, and the total stopping distance, including the factors that affect each;

• how to decide what to do when the light turns yellow as you approach an intersection; and

• the connection among speed, friction, and radius of the curve when turning.

Learning Outcomes

In this section, you will

• Measure reaction time using one of two different methods.
• Compare the different methods of measuring reaction time.
• Compare the reaction times of your classmates.
• Investigate how distractions affect reaction time.

Section 1 Score Sheet

Learning Outcomes

In this section, you will

• Calibrate the length of a stride.
• Measure a distance by pacing it off and by using a meter stick.
• Identify sources of error in measurement.
• Evaluate estimates of measurements as reasonable or unreasonable.

Section 2 Score Sheet

Learning Outcomes

In this section, you will

• Measure a change in velocity (acceleration) of a cart on a ramp using a motion detector.
• Construct graphs of the motion of a cart on a ramp.
• Define acceleration using words and an equation.
• Calculate speed, distance, and time using the equation for acceleration.
• Interpret distance-time and velocity-time graphs for different types of motion.

Section 4 Score Sheet

Learning Objectives

• Work with group to review concepts learned in Sections 1-4.
• Create a driving scenario that includes reaction time, measurement, constant velocity and constant acceleration.
• Demonstrate your knowledge by creating a poster that shows the graphs and calculations of objects moving at constant velocity and constant acceleration.

Physics You Learned pgs 118-119

Physics Practice Test pgs 124-125