Modeling Instruction in Physics By Kelly Forest

Experimentation First 2-3 weeks – Learn how to run an experiment -Volume of water in a glass container and the height of water - Pendulum - Pizza price and area - Circumference and diameter of tree - sides of cube and surface area/volume - spring lab

How to have more confidence in your data Take as many data points you can given the time allotted Do multiple trials – shows error Maximize your range (we discuss this in class – I have pendulums that are 3 meters long to as small as 30 cm )

How to represent data? Data Table Good for looking at error, not for looking at trend Graphs Good for looking at trends, not for predictions Equations Good for looking at predictions Y=mx + b becomes Word = number (word) + number

Lab time

Lab Reports Write purpose of lab Data table that includes all trials, average and error Graph (Whiteboard graph – which consists of label/units on axis, maximum values and trend line) Mathematical model Conclusion or questions

Day after lab WHITEBOARDS DISCUSSIONS

Find the equations of physics and make predictions EQUATIONSPREDICTIONS What is the potential energy of a spring with a spring constant of 45 N/m that is displaced 20 cm? E = ½ k ∆x^2 E = ½ (45N/m)(0.2m)^2 E = Force of a spring = 45 N/m (displacement) F = k ∆x Area under graph = Spring Energy

Why change to modeling instruction?

Teamwork

Communication

Lab Challenges – After units

How to get started ? Buy some whiteboards Be willing to try new things If something doesn’t work for you, try something else, but keep trying. Find a mentor who is willing to answer your questions and work with you. Modeling sites – AMTA – America modeling teachers association: modelinginstruction.org

Questions? Kelly Forest Science Department Head/physics teacher Grier School