1st marking period Physics Project Ideas

How does the angle of throw of a javelin affect the distance? Could also be done with a football. The independent variable is the javelin take-off angle, i.e. 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40° and 45°. The dependent variable is the distance it traveled. Measure the distance using a measuring tape. The control variables are the weight of the javelin and the strength of the athlete. Video the throws to go back and measure the angle of the throw.

Use the Scientific Method of Inquiry to How does the angle of an inclined plane affect the velocity of a ball rolling down it? Use the Scientific Method of Inquiry to create an experiment to show this relationship.

Create a digital motion diagram. Then create a motion diagram, a particle model, and a time-position graph. Write a paper describing your process and explaining what your data and diagrams show.

How does the “bounciness” of a golf ball affect the distance it will travel? The independent variable is the type of golf ball used – soft, medium or hard. The dependent variable is the distance traveled by the golf ball. This is determined by using a measuring tape to measure the distance traveled. The constants (control variables) are the skill of the golfer, the wind condition, and the conditions at the driving range. Number the golf balls according to their brand and an assigned ball number by using a black marker pen.

How does the shape of a parachute affect the velocity of its drop? The independent variable is the shape of the parachutes’ canopies. The dependent variable is the drop speeds of the parachutes. How long does it take for the parachutes to reach the ground? Measure this using a stopwatch. The constants (control variables) are the surface area of the canopies, the weight of the nails, and the height from which the parachutes are dropped. Cut the a triangle, square, rectangular, and circular shaped parachute with an area of 500 cm 2 from 4 plastic bags. Each shape should have an area of 500 square centimeters.

At what angle will two equal-mass balls move away from one another after a glancing collision? Pool is a great example of physics in action. After every collision, the momentum of the balls must be conserved. Use 2 colliding masses like hockey pucks to model and measure how pool balls will collide and move. In this project, you’ll experiment with colliding masses, see how they collide, and maybe learn how to use physics to plan the perfect pool shot!

air trapped under a surface film, Investigate the 4 different types of bubbles: air trapped under a liquid, air trapped under a surface film, bubbles that float in the air, and anti-bubbles ( the roles of liquid and air are reversed).

Make a video demonstrating and explaining a physics concept related to motion, speed, velocity, acceleration, displacement, vectors, or another topic we related to what we are currently studying. Example 2

How does the arm length of a Trebuchet Catapult affect the distance it can throw? After building this type of catapult, create an experiment to determine which factors affect the distance the payload will fly.

How do different surfaces affect momentum? Tape 2 meter sticks to the floor far apart enough for a marble to roll between them. Place 2 marbles in the middle of the track 10 cm apart. Flick one marble to hit the second one. Repeat several times recording the results. Repeat on different surfaces (wood floor, marble floor, carpets of different textures, rugs, cement, etc). Calculate the momentum mathematically and make a conclusion.

Research and report on these scientists whose work is important to describing the physics related to motion. Newton 1687 Principia one of the greatest milestone in science…so much more than the Laws of Motion and gravity Galileo 1564-1642 Considered the Father of Science and possibly the original Moon Man During the Renaissance when art & culture grew, he challenged the world with unbelievable scientific principles. He actually spend time under house arrest and was charged with heresy. Did he really drop objects form the Tower of Pisa? Einstein Probably the most famous physicist of modern times known for the Theory of Relativity, the most quoted equation in a cartoon (E = mc2) and a wild head of hair. But just what are all of his contributions & what do they mean? Aristotle 384-322BC Although not what we would consider a scientist by today’s standards, he contributed to scientific thought based on his observations of the world around him. His views became truth and it wasn’t until Galileo devised the Scientific Method that they were challenged.