Mallet Motion 2

Abstract

The activity is intended for use at the start of the year in a high school physics class. Prior to starting this activity, students should have a working understanding of velocity in terms of speed and direction, as well as familiarity with motion map diagrams and clock-time and position diagrams. As a result of this activity, students should be able to use area models to determine the change in momentum and velocity of an object when it is hit and explain how/why the mass of an object affects how much its velocity changes when 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: Impulse, Momentum