I was killing time in Maple Grove this evening waiting to pick up my son from a birthday party. I found myself at the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes. I discovered that I could maintain a constant speed while turning around the roundabout. I figured I made it around almost twenty times with my foot off the gas. I could have done more but my wife was getting embarrassed and my daughter was screaming at me. Students should explain to their parents why this is acceleration. You might want to give it a try too! It is sort of fun to watch the people’s reactions!

Don’t forget to study during your week off.

2011-2012 Learning Targets

Learning Target:
describe how the laws of motion relate to observed events in nature

DO NOW:
On a sheet of paper, record how Newton’s Laws affect the game of tug-o-war

Homework:
Study for your tests – lots of resources can be accessed via the Laws of Motion Page

Today in Class:
Our class will be having a bit of fun today as we apply Newton’s Laws of Motion to real-world situations.  We’ll be playing tug-o-war against each other and another class as we demonstrate inertia, F=ma, and more.  The nice thing about today’s lesson is that we get to have some fun right before spring break.  Enjoy your time off but get some studying in!

2011-2012 Learning Targets

Learning Target:
use the Law of Universal Gravitation to calculate the attraction between objects

DO NOW:
In your notebook, write down all of the formulas learned in the past two weeks (Second Law, acceleration, momentum, Gravitational force, etc…) – be sure to identify each term.

Homework:
Complete the WS packet

Today in Class:
Students will spend the first part of the hour reviewing Newton’s Laws of Motion and the associated mathematical formulas.  Having completed this review, we’ll move our discussion forward to cover calculations of gravitational force.  Remember that we need to think about the math we are completing.  We should be able to use the formulas to determine cause and effect.  Students will be able to complete the entire worksheet packet by the end of the day today.

Don’t forget to dress appropriately for tug-of-war tomorrow.  We’ll be demonstrating all of Newton’s Laws of Motion as we play tomorrow.

2011-2012 Learning Targets

Law of Universal Gravitation [ 30:25 ] Play in Popup | Download

UPDATE: Students may be interested in these: Gravitational Force Notes and WS – Gravitational Force Answer Key

Learning Target:
Use the universal law of gravitation to calculate the attraction between objects

DO NOW:
Take out the WS packet and write down one question you have about any of Newton’s Laws of Motion

Homework:
Complete the WS packet entirely

Today in Class:
Students will be introduced to the Law of Universal Gravitation – both conceptually and mathematically, today.  The force of Gravity, like the other Laws of Motion, is relatively simple to comprehend in nature but is much more complex when we get below the surface.  It is important to remember that students should be able to apply their learning to everyday situations.  In order to do this, we need to get past the superficial level of understanding and seek ways to incorporate our new learning into the broader environment.

Calculating gravitational force can be difficult because we will be using very large numbers (scientific notation).  Students should remember, however, that we aren’t simply going to “plug and chug” with the formula; we need to be constantly thinking about what the numbers mean and determine if our results match our conceptual understanding.

We’ll be wrapping up Newton’s Laws over the next couple of days.   Students should spend some time studying for their tests over Spring Break.  Resources and materials can be accessed on the Laws of Motion page.

We’ll be playing Tug-o-War on Friday as a means for demonstrating Newton’s Laws in real-world situations.  Dress Appropriately!

2011-2012 Learning Targets

2011-2012 Learning Targets