Velocity

"I feel the need . . . the need for speed."

Part 1: Velocity of Toys

• Each table group has a meter stick (taped to the front of the table) and timer, 3 toys, calculator, ruler and markers in their bin.

• Please take good care of the toys. If toys fall off the table they often break and we have a limited supply.  Make a “track” with something at the end to stop them.

• Round off time to a tenth.  (We can’t measure a hundredth of a second accurately.) For example: 1.23 seconds = 1.2 seconds and  2.58 s = 2.6 s

• To test more than 3 toys, first graph (and write slope-intercept line equations for) your original 3 toys, then you can use "The Nose" and other exclusive toys.

• Be efficient in testing – the time to play with toys is when you get home.

Complete the Velocity of Toys assignment sheet.

After you complete and color-code your graph, write the equation (in slope-intercept form) for each of the lines you graphed.

See sample graph and trendlines here.

Part 2: Velocity Graphing Simulation

Complete the Describing Velocity simulation.

Then, complete the Describing Velocity assignment sheet and write your answers in your journal.

Then, in your journal, write your answers to the following questions and as a class, we will debrief them.

1. What would the position-time data for forward (away from a reference point), constant velocity look like?

2. What does a straight line on a position-time graph indicate?

3. How can you tell how fast an object is moving by looking at its position-time graph, assuming constant velocity?

4. How can you tell how fast an object is moving by looking at its velocity-time graph, assuming constant velocity?

5. What does a straight line on a velocity-time graph indicate?

Review possible answers at the bottom of p.2 here.

If you have time remaining, play with the "Acceleration" option of the Forces and Motion Basics simulation.  Be sure to check all the boxes in the upper right.

Then, play the Forces in 1 Dimension simulation. [Note: you will need to download the file and run it with Java - choose to update later, if prompted.]

Part 3: Velocity of Light

New activity.

Velocity Extension: Graphing Position and Time

Complete the Velocity Graphs worksheet and the Speedy Review worksheet.

Prepare for and lead an activity for the class using the motion sensor.