“The Physics 500”
Problem: What quantities can help you figure out the winners of a race?
Materials:
1. Selection of toys
2. Measuring Tape/Meter Sticks
3. Stopwatches
Procedure: You will be given a meter stick, a stopwatch and one of the events listed below! Your goal is to win the race and go faster with your event than all other group events.
- Write your groups numbered list of steps here
- Be sure to include the overall process you will use and precise distances you will measure and the number of trials you will use.
Data: Use your stopwatch and meter stick to collect data on your event. Record your event data and compare to classmates using a common data table. Make a data table that includes distance, time, and speed. Include multiple trials. Be sure to include units.
Event / Time / Distance / ?Volleyball Hop
Sticky Skateboard
Bowling Ball & Noodle
Tire Flip
Pregnant Crab Walk
Jump Rope
Cart Swimmer
Straw Blower
Event Assignments:
* All events might not be represented!
Volleyball Hop – Place the volleyball between your legs and hop your way to the finish line!
Sticky Skateboard- Keep both feet glued to the skateboard and propel your body without using your hands
Bowling Ball and Noodle- Poke the bowling ball with a stick as fast as you can
Tire Flip – Flip the tire end over end to the finish line! (No rolling the tireJ)
Pregnant Crab Walk- Balance the giant fit ball on your lap as you crab walk!
Jump Rope- Skip rope at a stationary spot for a selected amount of time!
Cart Swimmer- Sit on the scooter with your legs crossed, only propelling force can be your arms!
Straw Blower- Move a golf ball without touching it using only your breath
Analysis Questions: Ah-ha moments from the lab activity.
1. What quantities can help you figure out the winner of a race?
2. If every event has a unique distance and time measurement, how can you compare all events to find out which was the fastest/slowest?
3. What was the fastest event in the class and how do you know it was fastest?
4. What was the slowest event in the class and how do you know it was slowest?
5. In a perfect world, if you had the opportunity to make up your data, what would be best to win the competition? High vs. Low Distance? High vs. Low Time?
Conclusion Questions: After class discussion, what are your takeaways?
1. What does speed measure?
2. How are distance, time, and speed related? What is the equation for speed?
3. What unit was used today for speed? Name 3 others.
4. Did today’s lab measure constant speed or average speed? How do you know?
5. Which do you think is more accurate – speeds determined using long or short distances? Why?
6. Can we calculate the speed at which you can do the jump rope event? Explain.
7. What did you learn from this lab? What did this lab teach you about speed? What do you still not understand about speed?