Embedded Files
2024 C Mechanics links to CM Labs
For Uark Participants: UArk University Physics 1 Lab Manual; University Physics 2 Lab Manual
Important Notes
Important Notes
A Paradigm lab is a guided inquiry lab (from Modeling) that introduces a topic and/or relationship. The paradigm is a useful example that students can think of when recalling how the objects in this topic of physics behave. A practicum is a real-world challenge, where students collaborate to solve a physics problem by investigating an apparatus.
As you read through the list below, click the links to learn more!
There are lots of other versions of these labs out there if you Google the right terms.
This is a website FOR TEACHERS! Some of these links lead to very "Cookbook"-style labs. I am NOT ADVOCATING Cookbook labs for students. I am pointing you to resources that can help you plan your own labs. Sometimes teachers need the cookbook instructions to get started. I am also not saying you should do all of these. These are just some labs you could consider.
Links below are older than the Google docs linked above.
Meeting Point (Practicum)
(too easy for C students unless done very early in the course, a bit harder if you use a ramp and have it run into a CV cart from behind or in front)
Sliding Chain (Paradigm) (requires calculus)
Practicum: Hit the target with projectile shooter.
Unit 2: Forces
Unit 2: Forces
Half-Atwood's Lab (Half-Atwood's Video) OR Atwood's Machine (Paradigm)
Sliding Friction
Virtual lab (but you can do it for real like this, or with spring scales)
Topic 2.2 Uniform Circular Motion
Topic 2.2 Uniform Circular Motion
Paradigm: Vernier Centripetal Force Apparatus OR Pasco Centripetal Force Apparatus OR Discover Centripetal Force Kit (you can make your own, of course)
Practicum: Flying Pig Lab
Unit 3: Work, Energy, and Power
Unit 3: Work, Energy, and Power
Unit 4: Systems of Particles and Linear Momentum
Unit 4: Systems of Particles and Linear Momentum
Paradigm:
Pasco Momentum and Impulse for Walton HS
Impulse and Change in Momentum
Impulse to stop a falling chain requires calculus
Practicum: Unknown mass
Increasing Mass System requires calculus
Unit 5: Rotation
Unit 5: Rotation
Video Analysis spinning wheel with constant velocity and accelerated by a torque (video analysis labs)
Paradigm: Hoop and Disk Set AND discussion of the lab
(roll down ramp, find speed discrepancy with object sliding same distance)
Unit 6: Oscillation
Unit 6: Oscillation
Simple pendulum (Also a great first day lab! Not kidding)
Unit 7: Gravitation
(no current labs, how do you do a gravity lab?)
Electricity and Magnetism
Electricity and Magnetism
Unit 1: Electrostatics
Unit 1: Electrostatics
Electroscope and Electrophorus
Unit 2: Conductors, Capacitors, Dielectrics
Unit 3: Electric Circuits
Unit 3: Electric Circuits
Unit 4: Magnetic Fields
Unit 4: Magnetic Fields
Unit 5: Electromagnetism
Unit 5: Electromagnetism
Vernier Capacitors and Inductors
A fun activity, Johnson Motor (only thing you maybe can't get locally is magnet wire) OR buy a kit from Arbor
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