FORCE AND MOTION UNIT
Investigation #1 - Here to There
Students
are introduced to motion as a change of position, and distance as the
magnitude of a change in position. They work with air trolleys to define
terms, gather and graph data, and analyze outcomes. They analyze
graphic representations of races between several different competitors
in both print and multimedia formats.
Essential Question: When is an object in motion?
Guiding Questions:
How are position, motion, and distance defined? How are reference
points used to measure the distance moved by an object? How is distance
calculated?
Investigation #2 - Speed
Students
learn that speed is the rate at which an object changes position. They
gather data from cars rolling down ramps and representations of moving
vehicles to investigate and solve speed problems. They are introduced to
making and analyzing distance-versus-time graphs.
Essential Question: How fast do objects move?
Guiding Questions:
How is speed defined, what is the symbol, and how is it calculated?
How can speed be displayed on a graph? How is the slope of a distance
vs. time graph related to speed?
Investigation #3 - Comparing Speeds
Students
learn how to analyze and represent speed to solve problems. They gather
data for students walking and running, and use representations of boat
races and the Iditarod race to investigate and solve speed problems.
They practice making and analyzing speed graphs.
Investigation #4 - Representing Motion
Students
learn to represent motion in graphs. They distinguish between position
graphs and distance graphs and analyze both to describe motion. They
extract data from word problems, create data tables, and construct
motion graphs. They also collect and organize data for their own motion,
using meter tapes and stopwatches.
Investigation #5 - Acceleration
Students
learn to identify and measure changing velocity and calculate position
and velocity from time and acceleration data. The experience constant
velocity and acceleration with their own movement. They collect and
analyze velocity and position data using mechanical and electronic
Dotcars.
Investigation #6 - Force
Students
are introduced to forces and their relationship to motion. Students use
pushers and spring scales to explore the idea that forces add; the sum
is net force. Friction is introduced as a force opposing motion.
Students explore friction with real-world and simulated force-bench
activities.
Investigation #7 - Gravity
Students
learn that gravity is a universal force pulling objects to Earth with
predictable acceleration. They use spring scales to establish the
relationship between force and mass. They explore real and hypothetical
falling objects and replicate one of Galileo's experiments.
Investigation #8 - Momentum
Students
learn to analyze collision interactions in terms of momentum and
impulse. Students use the Dotcar to collect data for analysis.
Understanding Car Crashes, a video, is viewed and discussed. The finale
is a version of the egg drop called Bean Brains, in which students apply
their knowledge of momentum.