Mallet Motion I

Abstract

The activity is intended for use at the start of the year in a high school physics class. As a result of this activity, students should be able to interpret the position, velocity, and changes in velocity of an object from a Motion Map and a Clock-time and Position Diagram and predict how the velocity of an object will change when the object is hit and when the object is not hit. Students will also develop their ability to interpret diagrammatic models and make inferences based on those models, as well as compare and contrast information from multiple experiences, identify patterns from mathematical representation, and synthesize that information into a set of common rules.

Level: High School
Setting: Classroom
Activity Type: Learning Cycle
Discipline: Physics
Course: Physics
Keywords: Newton’s 1st Law, velocity, position, motion map