Is Bigger Always Better?

(“Preventing SUV Rollovers” Video – CBS News)

Overall ExpectationsOverall Expectations

Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between forces and the acceleration of an object in linear motion

Investigate, through experimentation, the effect of a net force on the linear motion of an object, and analyse the effect in quantitative terms, using graphs, free-body diagrams, and vector diagrams

Describe the contributions of Galileo and Newton to the understanding of dynamics; evaluate and describe technological advances related to motion; and identify the effects of societal influences on transportation and safety issues

(Ontario Ministry of Education, 2000)

Unit StructureUnit Structure

Displacement, Velocity, Acceleration Acceleration and the Force of Gravity Newton’s Laws of Motion

Overarching theme: vehicle design and safety

Displacement, Displacement, Velocity and Velocity and AccelerationAcceleration

Key TopicsKey Topics

Scalars and Vectors Distance and Displacement Speed and Velocity Position-time Graphs Uniform Acceleration Velocity-time Graphs Equations for Uniformly accelerated Motion

Teaching StrategiesTeaching Strategies

Think-Pair-Share 4 Corners Computer work Individual practice problems Inquiry Lab Graphic Organizers

Building an AccelerometerBuilding an Accelerometer

Step 1: Cut out the accelerometer guide provided by your teacher and glue to an index card. Be sure to align the top edge of the guide with the top of the card.

Step 2: Use a piece of tape to attach a piece of string to the top of the index card at the center point of the guide. Tie a washer to the bottom of the string.

Step 3: Center the index card on a ruler and tape it to the ruler. Step 4: Hold the bottom end of the ruler as you walk. Try to keep

the accelerometer steady as you walk. What do you observe?

Building an AccelerometerBuilding an Accelerometer

Acceleration and the Acceleration and the

Force of GravityForce of Gravity

Key TopicsKey Topics

Vector Nature of Force Free Body Diagrams Center of Mass Universal Law of Gravitation Acceleration Due to Gravity

Teaching StrategiesTeaching Strategies

Knowledge Labs Individual practice problems Think-Pair-Share Demonstrations

Newton’s Laws of Newton’s Laws of MotionMotion

Key TopicsKey Topics

Inertia Newton’s Laws of Motion Fundamental Forces of Nature Friction

Teaching StrategiesTeaching Strategies

Case studies Labs Think-Pair-Share Demonstrations Student Guided Solutions Graphic Organizers

AccommodationsAccommodations

Modified handouts E.g. more graphics rather than text

Assistance with computer technology Creating groups which assist students with

difficulties

Assessment StrategiesAssessment Strategies

Diagnostic: Think/Pair/Share, pre-quizzes, homework checks

Formative: Worksheets, investigations, labs

Summative: Culminating activity

Learning skills also assessed throughout

Culminating ActivityCulminating Activity

Culminating ActivityCulminating Activity

Part A: Research (K/U) Research the motion of a car: the forces involved, factors

affecting stability, vulnerabilities

Part B: Investigate and Analyze (I; A) Road test with accelerometer Develop recommendations to improve safety

Part C: Communicate (C) Present findings and recommendations to class

Culminating ActivityCulminating Activity

Evaluation:1. Teacher self-evaluation

2. Group evaluation of individual members

3. Peer evaluation of presentations

4. Learning skills assessed through teacher-student conferencing over duration of project

SummarySummary

Students should leave the course understanding: that forces occur everywhere in nature and are required for

our daily living the ways in which forces and the acceleration of an object

are related by Newton’s three laws of motion

Our goal: relate classroom learning to the real world and students’ own daily lives

This the foundation of the course and future physics courses Take your time and HAVE FUN!