MR. ANTINORALESSON# 3 SUBJECT- PhysicsDATE- 9/12/12 UNIT TOPIC- The Science of Physics STANDARD- NYS 5.1 FOCUS- How do we define physics? GETTING STARTED ACTIVITY- Take out your notebook so I can check your Cornell Note taking from yesterday’s lesson. Homework: none

The Science of Physics Many people think physics is a difficult science far removed from their daily lives. Do you think this is true? Everything around us can be described using tools of physics. We use a small number of equations to describe the physical world. The same physics principles used to describe the motions of planets can be used to describe the motion of a soccer ball.

Physics is Everywhere People who design cars need to know physics. Describe difference in shape for these two Cadillacs Designers try to figure our best shape to improve fuel economy

Physics is Everywhere Designers need to understand the science of motion and its causes to design a fuel efficient shape. Designer needs knowledge of physics of fluids (air flow)

Areas within Physics NameSubjectExamples MechanicsMotion and its causesFalling objects, friction, weight, spinning objects ThermodynamicsHeat and temperatureMelting/freezing processes, engines, refrigerators Vibrations and wavesSpecific types of repetitive motions Springs, pendulums, sound OpticsLightsMirrors, lenses, color, astronomy ElectromagnetismElectricity, magnetism, and light Electrical charge, circuitry, permanent magnets, electromagnets RelativityParticles moving at the speed of light Particle collisions, nuclear energy Quantum mechanicsBehavior of subatomic particles Atom and its parts

Quick check In your notes list a few careers that you are interested in. Which area within physics might contribute to those careers.

Scientific Method Scientists use common steps during an investigation of natural phenomena. These steps are called the scientific method. Scientific Method Make observations and collect data that lead to a question Formulate and test hypothesis by experiments Interpret results, and revise hypothesis if necessary State conclusions in a form that can be evaluated by others

Scientific Method An investigation provides a good analogy to understand scientific method. A good example is a car crash. Let’s watch a 10 minute video on crash scene investigation. While watching apply the step of scientific method to the crash scene investigation.

Watch the following video

Observation How was observation and collection of data utilized by the crime scene investigator? – Write some examples on a piece of paper under the heading: Observation/Data Collection How is hypothesis used during the crash investigation? – What “educated guesses” is the investigator forced to make? What types of experiments or tests might the investigator order or use?

Observation How does the investigator interpret the data or revise the hypothesis. How does an investigator use conclusions during the investigation?

Answers Observation/Data – Investigator examines accident scene and fills our a report Hypothesis – Investigator imagines several scenarios that might have caused the accident. Maybe the driver was drunk? Maybe the driver fell asleep? Was the driver speeding? Did the car have mechanical failure? Did the weather play a role in the accident?

Answers Experiments/Test – Investigator may order a blood-alcohol test Check the car parts Test-drive the car in different weather conditions Try to reproduce the skid marks left by the car Interpret/revise hypothesis – Investigator must reexamine evidence – Maybe revise original belief of what caused the accident (hypothesis) – Evidence maybe inconclusive

Answers Conclusion – Investigator goes to court – Reexamines the evidence – Defends his theory of how the accident occurred.

Hands on Lab You’ll now apply what you’ve learned about scientific method and explore gravity. In groups have 1 member collect the equipment. Work through the lab and gather your data for your conclusion.