Station 7 Pendulum Painting
Scientific Principles Involved:
Pendulum Motion: A pendulum is a weight suspended from a pivot so that it can swing freely back and forth under the influence of gravity. In pendulum painting, containers of paint are attached to the bottom of pendulums, and as the pendulums swing, the paint is released, creating unique patterns on the canvas below.
Newton's Laws of Motion: Pendulum painting connects to Newton's Laws of Motion, particularly the concepts of inertia and gravity.
Inertia: According to Newton's First Law of Motion, an object in motion will remain in motion unless acted upon by an external force. In pendulum painting, the pendulum's inertia keeps it swinging back and forth until friction and air resistance slow it down.
Gravity: Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation states that every mass attracts every other mass with a force proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers. Gravity pulls the pendulum downward, causing it to swing back and forth.
Interconnectedness of Art and Physics: Pendulum painting allows students to witness the principles of physics in action while engaging in a creative artistic activity. By experimenting with the movement of paint and observing the patterns created by the pendulum's motion, students deepen their understanding of the interconnectedness of art and physics. They explore concepts such as kinetic energy, momentum, and the relationship between force and motion.
Appreciation for Both Disciplines: Through hands-on experimentation and creative expression, students develop a newfound appreciation for both art and physics. They discover how scientific principles can inspire and enhance artistic endeavors, and vice versa, fostering a holistic understanding of the world around them.