Modelling Motion


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Title Modelling Motion
Description This activity uses the pendulum lab to allow students to investigate the motion of a pendulum, relationship between acceleration, velocity and displacement and the principles of energy transformation and conservation. Students will use the simulation to manipulate variables such as the length of the pendulum, the amplitude of the swing, or the mass of the bob, and observe how these changes affect the motion of the pendulum. The teacher will guide students through the experiment, prompting them to collect and analyze data, draw conclusions based on their observations, and make connections to real-world scenarios. The goal of this activity is to help students develop a deeper understanding of the principles of energy transformation and conservation, the relationship between displacement, acceleration, and velocity, and connection to real-world situations.
Subject Physics
Level High School, Middle School, Undergrad - Intro
Type Demonstration, Discussion Prompts, Guided Activity, Homework, Remote Learning
Duration 120 minutes
Answers Included Yes
Language English
Keywords acceleration, displacement, displacement, gravity, harmonic, kinematics, kinetic energy, motion, pendulum, period, potential energy
Simulation(s) Pendulum Lab (HTML5)


Author(s) Samuel Okoth Ogalo
School / Organization African Maths Initative (AMI)
Date submitted 23/02/15
Date updated 23/02/15