Watch out for that
Cliff
New Explorations into Science Technology and Math
Summer Research Program for Science Teachers
August 2012
Subject:
Regents Physics
Grade level:
9-12
Time Frame: 90
minutes
Objective:
Predict the landing spot of a projectile that is launched horizontally from an
elevated surface using vectors and kinematics equations.
Motivation:
Students should be able to calculate the distance an object will land based on
the objects initial velocity in the horizontal direction and the height from
which it falls.
Materials:
·
Rolling Cars or Marbles
·
Tracks for the marbles or cars to fall down
·
Meter stick
·
Stopwatch
·
Target
Do now:
Question of the day: Calculate the time of flight of an object dropped from 9
meters.
Main activity:
Students
will be given the inquiry problem of a car falling off an unexpected cliff.
At the bottom of the cliff is a large pond that can potentially break the
cars fall. The students are to
predict exactly where the pond should be in order to facilitate a safe landing.
Students may roll the ball down the incline.
Change the height of the incline but may not allow the marble or car to
fall until it is tested. Students
should take into account outside forces when placing the target during the final
test. Students will have two trials
but will not be able to move the target once it is placed.
(See
attached
worksheet)
Homework: Final
lab report will be presented first thing tomorrow.
Lab report should include data tables, associated graphs and a conclusion
Standards:
Standard 1
M1.1- Use algebraic and geometric representations to
describe and compare data.
M2.1- Interpret graphs to determine the mathematical
relationship between the variables.
S2.2- Devise ways of making observations to test proposed
explanations
S3.1- Use various means of representing and organizing
observations.
Standard 7
Key idea 2: Collect, analyze, interpret and present data
using appropriate tools.