Physics
The science of the study of force is called Physics. For third quarter, Wynn began an introductory study of Physics. This included a historical look at key figures in Physics, several guided reads through some amazing science books, and several experiments to explore types of forces.
I Can Statements: I can connect science concepts, the history of science, and contributions of scientists. I can evaluate the impact of research on scientific thought, society, and the environment. |
Exploring Newton's Three Laws of Motion and Investigating Force! Isaac Newton identified three simple laws of motion. These laws explain how forces make things move. Newton's laws can explain the movement of all objects in the universe. These laws include: 1) The Law of Inertia: an object at rest tends to stay at rest or an object in motion tends to stay in motion unless acted upon by an outside force. 2) The Law of Acceleration: A force upon an object can make that object speed up, slow down, or change direction. You need a lot of force to cause a huge object to accelerate. 3) For every action there is an opposite and equal reaction! Friction-- Wynn's first investigation (pictured right) was to explore the world of friction. He was asked to place a rubber band around a book and slide it on a table. Next, he was asked to compare the movement of the book when placed on straws and then marbles. Wow! Those straws and marbles made the book slide super fast! Wynn concluded that if there is less friction, the book will slide easier. Further investigation found that large glue stick tubes are an even better resource for getting a heavy book to move! |
Wynn's second investigation exploring friction involved testing various materials to see how easily they moved across a surface. Sandpaper, waxed paper, aluminum foil, and plastic wrap were all tested. Each material was placed face down on a table, weights were added, and a bucket hanging off the side of the table was attached. Weights (in the form of paperclips) were then added to the bucket. Waxed paper created the least friction and moved after only 43 paperclip weights were added. Plastic wrap move the slowest (no wonder they call it Clingwrap!) -- It took all of Wynn's paperclips plus one rock and a large bolt to get the material to drag off the table. This outcome was not expected: Wynn hypothesized that sandpaper would create the most friction and have the most resistance. Cooking oil was later added as a variable. Wynn was surprised to find that oil, for the most part, created more resistance and slowed most of the materials down. The one exception was plastic wrap. Wynn discovered that oil decreased the amount of friction between plastic and table, and when compared to the control, took less weight to pull it off the table.
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I Can Statements:
I can measure and record changes in an object to which a force such as a push or pull has been applied. I can determine the motion of an object by following and measuring its position over time. I can recognize factors that affect motion: force, friction, inertia, and momentum. |
Projectiles and Predicted Trajectories
As part of a unit on force, Wynn participated in several activities that explored projectiles and their pathways. He was asked to predict the path a projectile would take and where it would land. He did this with balls, marbles, and (last but definitely not least) stomp rockets. (To make it easier, none of these activities considered the influence of air resistance). Wynn learned that gravity acts upon a projectile causing it to follow a curved path instead of a straight one. Says Wynn, "I also learned that projectiles are awesome fun!"
As part of a unit on force, Wynn participated in several activities that explored projectiles and their pathways. He was asked to predict the path a projectile would take and where it would land. He did this with balls, marbles, and (last but definitely not least) stomp rockets. (To make it easier, none of these activities considered the influence of air resistance). Wynn learned that gravity acts upon a projectile causing it to follow a curved path instead of a straight one. Says Wynn, "I also learned that projectiles are awesome fun!"