I set up the experiment by attaching each washer to a string, 1 washer at a time. I then suspended the washers and dropped them from a set height and timed the amount of time it took for the washer to stop moving. I then recorded the data in the data table.
- During the experiment I found that the lightest washer stopped swinging first. This was the result that I expected.
- The experiment well. I didn't run into any difficulties. This would be a lab that my students could do with ease. I would not expect them to encounter any difficulties.
- I would not make any modifications at this point in time.
- In completing this activity, I would want my students to understand the idea of a pendulum and how it works. I would also like them to explore force and motion and how these are at work in this situation. I would also like for them to investigate the idea of perpetual motion and why the pendulum stops when it does.
I think you have posed excellent questions for your students to consider. As a middle school teacher myself, a new teacher at that, would you have your students complete a lab write up or would you give them a graphic organizer to complete? This is a simple experiment and it would be a great opportunity to get them to work on their lab write up skills.
ReplyDeleteI also choose the pendulum experiment. I knew that the heavy washer would take longer than the lighter washer, but I was surprised at how long it actually took the large washer to finally stop. I agree with you that this lab is a good fit for middle school students to study forces and motion. The materials are inexpensive and easy to obtain . It is also an experiment that students could do without difficulty. I did not think any modifications needed to be made either.
ReplyDeleteFor older students like yours, I would have them watch to identify when the pendulum reaches its height of momentum. That was interesting to watch and determine for me. But what a great inexpensive, easy observation this was.
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