Acceleration Nation What Factors Affect Acceleration?

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Acceleration NationWhat Factors Affect
Acceleration?

• Starring Kenneth ORourke and Christopher Warner

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Objectives/Goals

• Distinguish the difference between velocity and
  acceleration.
• Describe motion using words, graphs, and
  equations.
• Describe fundamental scientific and technological
  concepts that could solve practical problems.
• Identify and use the elements of scientific
  inquiry to solve problems.

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Lesson Plan Overview

1. Previous Learning Assessment
2. Physics Content
3. Lab exercise
4. Math Content/ Post Lab

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1. Previous Assessment

• Basic algebra and graphing
• Distance vs. Displacement
• Distance vs. Time Graphs
• Displacement vs. Time Graphs
• Average Speed/Instantaneous Speed
• Average Velocity/Instantaneous Velocity
• Pre- assessment Quiz
• Pre-assessment answers

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2. Physics Content

1. Student preconceptions and examples
2. Definition of acceleration/ Practical examples
3. Mathematical description
4. Lab Preview

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A. Student Preconception Questions

• Students are asked to describe how they view
  acceleration.
• Possible answers speed, moving fast, etc.
• Lead students to working definition of
  acceleration.

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B. Definition of Acceleration and Examples

• Acceleration - changing velocity, positive or
  negative change changing direction is included
  in this description
• Examples
• Have students move around the classroom
• Physics Classroom webpage showing car
  accelerating/decelerating
• Demo Marble moving up ramp and down ramp.
  (Negative acceleration and positive acceleration.
• Demo Circular motion showing constant speed,
  changing velocity, and a positive acceleration

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C. Mathematical Description

• a (final velocity - initial velocity)
• time elapsed
• Have students manipulate formula to isolate
  variables. (PowerPoint)
• Practice Problems (answers)

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D. Lab Preview

• Demonstrate how equipment works
• Define expectations. (Lab Design Structure)
• Develop a method to measure and test
  acceleration, determine how variables affect
  acceleration, take measurements, and show data
  graphically. GET THEM TO INVEST IN SOME OUTCOME!
• Create table of variables with students.
• Discuss nature of science
• Multiple testing
• Collaboration
• Peer review to minimize error

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3. Lab Exercise

• Plan for advanced levels of design vs. basic
  levels of design.
• Follow Lab Report Rubric (Pennfield Middle School
  Lab Report Rubric)
• Ensure appropriate amount of guidance facilitates
  science inquiry.

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4. Math Content/Post Lab

• Graphing
• Show examples of graphing (previous velocity vs.
  time graphs)
• Graph sample data from student labs
• Calculations using the data
• Solve for acceleration, final velocities, initial
  velocities, and time
• Relate calculations to problems and making
  predictions.

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Where can I find all this great stuff!

• http//www.sas.upenn.edu/7Ekennethp/physicspowerp
  oint.html
• There are links to every assignment and
  PowerPoint linked to on the page
• Feel free to use and alter any of our created
  work to suit your instructional goals.

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Standards

• http//www.pde.state.pa.us/a_and_t/lib/a_and_t/Sci
  ence_Anchor_Introduction.doc
• Standards covered in the lesson

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Assessments

• Pre-assessment
• Acceleration Work Sheet
• Lab Report
• Graphs
• Physics Class Room