Designing an experiment Pendulum LAB Designing an experiment

What is a pendulum? “A body so suspended from a fixed point as to move to and fro by the action of gravity and acquired momentum.”

Brief History 1st-century seismometer device of Han Dynasty Chinese scientist Zhang Heng. 1583, Galileo uses timing of pendulum swing in astronomical measurements 1673, Huygens devised a practicable means of making a pendulum control the speed with which a clock mechanism runs.  1851, Foucault demonstrated the rotation of the earth by suspending a pendulum that traced its path in sand on the floor. 

Excellent Example of transfer from pe to ke

Challenge…what variables change rate of swing (period)? Discuss and list all variables in a basic pendulum Identify CV IV and DV Establish hypothesis for experimentation Design a procedure to test hypothesis Make a data table using IV/DV rules

Peer Review Process “Peer-review is a critical part of the functioning of the scientific community, of quality control, and the self corrective nature of science.” NOS (a way of knowing) Science distinguishes itself from other ways of knowing through use of empirical standards, logical arguments, and skeptical review.

What should it look like Constructive – provide solutions to potential problems, don’t just point our flaws Positive – not right or wrong, but a process towards accuracy Receptive – It is there to help, so be open to changes in ideas and design

Directions Rotate whole group clockwise in the room Discuss as whole group the following (5 minutes) List of variable Hypothesis Procedure Data table Provide feedback (2 minutes)

Re-design Take time to discuss and re-design the various elements of your lab design What was helpful? New Ideas? Lets get some data!!!