Finally...
Honors Physics conducted a lab investigation that let students create and interpret graphs of motion: position/time, velocity/time, acceleration/time. The mathematical analysis of these graphs was stressed, with students working with both linear and quadratic functions. We'll go over the lab in class on Monday, as well as the kinematics homework, so have all of that ready.
Physics B discussed motion graphs and used yesterday's lab activity to highlight the discussion. Student graphs very accurately described the motion of the cart on the incline and time was spent showing how all three graphs described different aspects of the cart's motion. Students then conducted a quick in-class investigation on reaction time to tie in with Monday's topic of air resistance and yesterday's discussion of free-fall acceleration. The exam for this first unit is scheduled for next Thursday, Sept. 16.
Physics F discussed the nature of air resistance and how air resistance affects objects in free fall. Without air resistance, all objects would fall to Earth with the same acceleration. The differences we see in daily life are due to air resistance and are influenced by the shape and size of the object. We'll look at air resistance more later when we discuss gravity. F block was also able to conduct the reaction time experiment and will conduct another brief investigation to determine the value of acceleration due to gravity next week. The exam for this first unit is scheduled for next Thursday, Sept. 16.
Physical Science reviewed their homework problems for dimensional analysis and then launched into a discussion on data presentation. Charts, tables and graphs are all ways to present experimental data, but must be used appropriately. Guidelines for making quality charts, tables and graphs were discussed and extra time was spent on the line graph, the most commonly used graph in physics. On Monday, students will conduct a lab investigation that will further stretch their mathematics and graphing skills - investigating pendulum motion.
Homework
Honors Physics - Complete lab writeup and kinematics problems
Physics B - None
Physics F - None
Physical Science - Collect and present, with a graph, a data set of your own choosing. The graph can be a bar or line graph, but it must be appropriate for the data set you are collecting, and be created using the guidelines we discussed in class. In addition, a conclusion statement should accompany your work. Due Tuesday.
9/10/10
9/9/10
Thursday is Not Friday
But it feels like it today for some reason...
Honors Physics introduced the concept of acceleration to their motion arsenal and tied all the concepts together with one big kinematics bow. Things to keep in mind are that acceleration targets both the speed and direction of motion and is a rate function - it does not say how much the velocity changed, on how quickly. The kinematics formulas that you are using right now, will make another appearance next chapter and pop up in problem solving throughout the book. Get comfortable working with them from the get go and save yourself a lot of headache later on.
Physics B conducted a lab investigation that allowed students to examine the properties of motion that we discussed in class - displacement, velocity and acceleration. A low-friction cart was propelled up and down a ramp and its motion was tracked with a motion detector. The resulting graphs were analyzed to get quantitative details of the motion. We'll go over the lab tomorrow, so make sure you have your synopsis completed.
Physics F took up a discussion of acceleration, the rate of change of velocity. It either the speed or direction of travel changes, the object is being accelerated and the acceleration value itself reports how quickly the velocity change occurred. Like velocity, it has direction and you have to pay careful attention to the signs for velocity and acceleration to determine the impact of the acceleration on the object's motion. Time was also taken to examine a variety of graphs describing motion. We'll continue on with this tomorrow and may have time to tie air resistance to our discussion of free fall.
Physical Science went over their dimensional analysis problems and we took time for more practice. Work to get this skill mastered and stay for extra help or get additional practice problems from me, if necessary.
Honors Physics - Practice 2C #1,3; Practice 2D #1,4; Practice 2E #3,5,6 for Monday
Physics B: Complete lab writeup
Physics F: - p.25, 26 of ancillary reading #14-21
Physical Science: Problems from whiteboard:
Honors Physics introduced the concept of acceleration to their motion arsenal and tied all the concepts together with one big kinematics bow. Things to keep in mind are that acceleration targets both the speed and direction of motion and is a rate function - it does not say how much the velocity changed, on how quickly. The kinematics formulas that you are using right now, will make another appearance next chapter and pop up in problem solving throughout the book. Get comfortable working with them from the get go and save yourself a lot of headache later on.
Physics B conducted a lab investigation that allowed students to examine the properties of motion that we discussed in class - displacement, velocity and acceleration. A low-friction cart was propelled up and down a ramp and its motion was tracked with a motion detector. The resulting graphs were analyzed to get quantitative details of the motion. We'll go over the lab tomorrow, so make sure you have your synopsis completed.
Physics F took up a discussion of acceleration, the rate of change of velocity. It either the speed or direction of travel changes, the object is being accelerated and the acceleration value itself reports how quickly the velocity change occurred. Like velocity, it has direction and you have to pay careful attention to the signs for velocity and acceleration to determine the impact of the acceleration on the object's motion. Time was also taken to examine a variety of graphs describing motion. We'll continue on with this tomorrow and may have time to tie air resistance to our discussion of free fall.
Physical Science went over their dimensional analysis problems and we took time for more practice. Work to get this skill mastered and stay for extra help or get additional practice problems from me, if necessary.
Homework
Honors Physics - Practice 2C #1,3; Practice 2D #1,4; Practice 2E #3,5,6 for Monday
Physics B: Complete lab writeup
Physics F: - p.25, 26 of ancillary reading #14-21
Physical Science: Problems from whiteboard:
- 256 g = ? Gg
- 37.6 mm = ? km
- 1.47 x 1012 cg = ? μg
- 2 x 107 = ? mg
9/8/10
It Was a Dark and Stormy Morning
Ok, that storm was a wonder to watch - safely inside my classroom so I didn't get wet, unlike some folks.
Honors Physics continued on with their study of motion and introduced the concept or rate of motion. Distance/displacement, speed and velocity are used synonymously in daily life, but have radically different meanings in physics. The source of the difference is that distance and speed are scalars and displacement and velocity are vectors. We'll hit those ideas harder in the next chapter. Tomorrow, we add acceleration to the pot and begin to pull all these descriptors of motion into a series of classic equations - the kinematics formulas.
Physics B took time to review last night's work on motion and speed before adding a new concept to the pot - acceleration. Remember that acceleration is the rate of change of velocity, not just the magnitude of the velocity change and it may involve a change of the speed of the motion or the direction or both. Tomorrow's lab will give you the opportunity to work will all of these descriptors of motion and practice interpreting motion graphically.
Physics F jumped into motion with an examination of the definition of motion and the importance of a frame of reference. We spent time with two ways to describe the rate of motion - speed and velocity. Tomorrow, we'll add acceleration to the mix and, with those three values (plus time), you are well equipped to describe, in detail, the motion of any object.
Physical Science explored and practiced working with dimensional analysis for converting metric units. One-step conversions tend to be easy, two-steps are more difficult and require more care in setting up. Unit conversions make an appearance throughout the year in a wide variety of problems, so lock that skill down quickly! Tomorrow - moving on with more math skills you'll need for success in physics. Here's the answers to your homework problems, so you can spot check if you want to:
p. 17
Worksheet
Honors Physics - Practice 2B
Physics B - Read lab protocol sheet
Physics F - p. 25 of ancillary packet #1,2, 6-12
Physical Science - Complete metric conversion worksheet
Honors Physics continued on with their study of motion and introduced the concept or rate of motion. Distance/displacement, speed and velocity are used synonymously in daily life, but have radically different meanings in physics. The source of the difference is that distance and speed are scalars and displacement and velocity are vectors. We'll hit those ideas harder in the next chapter. Tomorrow, we add acceleration to the pot and begin to pull all these descriptors of motion into a series of classic equations - the kinematics formulas.
Physics B took time to review last night's work on motion and speed before adding a new concept to the pot - acceleration. Remember that acceleration is the rate of change of velocity, not just the magnitude of the velocity change and it may involve a change of the speed of the motion or the direction or both. Tomorrow's lab will give you the opportunity to work will all of these descriptors of motion and practice interpreting motion graphically.
Physics F jumped into motion with an examination of the definition of motion and the importance of a frame of reference. We spent time with two ways to describe the rate of motion - speed and velocity. Tomorrow, we'll add acceleration to the mix and, with those three values (plus time), you are well equipped to describe, in detail, the motion of any object.
Physical Science explored and practiced working with dimensional analysis for converting metric units. One-step conversions tend to be easy, two-steps are more difficult and require more care in setting up. Unit conversions make an appearance throughout the year in a wide variety of problems, so lock that skill down quickly! Tomorrow - moving on with more math skills you'll need for success in physics. Here's the answers to your homework problems, so you can spot check if you want to:
p. 17
- 0.55 m
- 3500 ms
- 1600 kg
- 0.0025 m
- 40,000 micrometers
- 2.8 mol
- 6100 mA
- 3000 ng
Worksheet
- 0.100 kg
- 5.98 x 1030 mg
- W
- 4.448 x 105 g x cm2
- 6.67 x 10-11 N x km2/g2
Homework
Honors Physics - Practice 2B
Physics B - Read lab protocol sheet
Physics F - p. 25 of ancillary packet #1,2, 6-12
Physical Science - Complete metric conversion worksheet
9/7/10
Bye Bye Summer
Labor Day has passed, so stop wearing white and start pulling out your snow boots...
Honors Physics completed their discussion of precision and scientific notation and dabbled their toes into the pool of motion. We'll begin with 1-dimensional motion and the concepts explored in Chapter 2 will be expanded upon in Chapter 3, when we wrestle with 2-dimensional motion. These chapters will not only introduce skills relevant to motion, but also skills for graphing and problem solving that will be used throughout the year.
Physics B started their discussion of linear motion by working out a good definition of motion that included the very important concept - frame of reference. We then looked at the rate of motion, since all motion requires some amount of time to occur. Time was taken to differentiate speed and velocity, and we will delve into the basic ideas of scalars and vectors in the next chapter.
Physics F completed their introductory work with precision, significant figures and scientific notation. Remember that I won't be a dragon about checking for correct use of significant figures, but keep them in mind when working problems for your own reference and when working in lab. Tomorrow - motion!
Physical Science spent time looking at the process of doing science - the scientific method - using last week's writeup as an example. People did a very good job in lab and the writeups only had a few minor issues that we had to work through today. We took some time to look at the standard SI metric units and will spend time tomorrow practicing unit conversions.
Honors Physics: 2.1 Section Review
Physics B: p. 25 of the ancillary reading #1,2, 6-12
Physics F: 1.2 Section Review
Physical Science: 1.2 Section Review
Honors Physics completed their discussion of precision and scientific notation and dabbled their toes into the pool of motion. We'll begin with 1-dimensional motion and the concepts explored in Chapter 2 will be expanded upon in Chapter 3, when we wrestle with 2-dimensional motion. These chapters will not only introduce skills relevant to motion, but also skills for graphing and problem solving that will be used throughout the year.
Physics B started their discussion of linear motion by working out a good definition of motion that included the very important concept - frame of reference. We then looked at the rate of motion, since all motion requires some amount of time to occur. Time was taken to differentiate speed and velocity, and we will delve into the basic ideas of scalars and vectors in the next chapter.
Physics F completed their introductory work with precision, significant figures and scientific notation. Remember that I won't be a dragon about checking for correct use of significant figures, but keep them in mind when working problems for your own reference and when working in lab. Tomorrow - motion!
Physical Science spent time looking at the process of doing science - the scientific method - using last week's writeup as an example. People did a very good job in lab and the writeups only had a few minor issues that we had to work through today. We took some time to look at the standard SI metric units and will spend time tomorrow practicing unit conversions.
Homework
Honors Physics: 2.1 Section Review
Physics B: p. 25 of the ancillary reading #1,2, 6-12
Physics F: 1.2 Section Review
Physical Science: 1.2 Section Review
9/2/10
The LOOOOONG Weekend
Hope everyone enjoys the four days of fun!
Honors Physics discussed the scope of physics, the use of models and the scientific method to evaluate physical phenomena, reviewed unit conversion and began a discussion of accuracy and precision. Pretty much review all around. On Tuesday, we'll unravel the mysteries of significant figures and scientific notation.
Physics B completed their introductory unit by connecting precision to the use of significant figures and scientific notation. Most people don't realize that there is a real reason we use those two reporting properties - they help indicate the precision of measurements or indicate the precision to which measurements must be made. On Tuesday, we start on 1-dimensional motion.
Physics F discussed their lab activity and then moved into taking a look at the faces of physics and the nature of measurements and the metric system. We'll practice unit conversions on Tuesday and engage in a discussion of accuracy and precision.
Physical Science also discussed their lab activity, which was followed by an overview of ways to categorize science and the role of models and the scientific method in physics. We'll briefly review the scientific method on Tuesday before moving on to measurements.
Homework
None for anyone!
Honors Physics discussed the scope of physics, the use of models and the scientific method to evaluate physical phenomena, reviewed unit conversion and began a discussion of accuracy and precision. Pretty much review all around. On Tuesday, we'll unravel the mysteries of significant figures and scientific notation.
Physics B completed their introductory unit by connecting precision to the use of significant figures and scientific notation. Most people don't realize that there is a real reason we use those two reporting properties - they help indicate the precision of measurements or indicate the precision to which measurements must be made. On Tuesday, we start on 1-dimensional motion.
Physics F discussed their lab activity and then moved into taking a look at the faces of physics and the nature of measurements and the metric system. We'll practice unit conversions on Tuesday and engage in a discussion of accuracy and precision.
Physical Science also discussed their lab activity, which was followed by an overview of ways to categorize science and the role of models and the scientific method in physics. We'll briefly review the scientific method on Tuesday before moving on to measurements.
Homework
None for anyone!
9/1/10
Could it Be Any Hotter?
Well, I guess it could, but I'm not sure any of us would be alive to realize it...
Honors Physics didn't occur - class meeting occupied the entire block. So, we'll start on all cylinders tomorrow.
Physics B discussed the fields and expectations of physics, concentrating on the use of models to evaluate complex phenomena. We reviewed skills for converting units within the metric system - it is something that will crop up often during problem solving. An overview of accuracy and precision ended the period and we will expand on that a bit tomorrow before diving into significant figures.
Physics F worked on their Making Cents of Math lab, which allowed students to gain familiarity with the Vernier probeware system, which will be our primary laboratory mechanism all year.
Physical Science completed their linear relationship lab and we took time to discus the results. The ability to work with linear relationships in a quantitative and a qualitative way are vital skills for success in physics. We will revisit this relationship many times throughout the course. If you need any practice calculating slope or writing equations of lines, ask me and I'll pull something together for you.
Homework
Honors Physics: None
Physics B: None
Physics F: Complete lab writeup
Physical Science: Complete lab writeup
Honors Physics didn't occur - class meeting occupied the entire block. So, we'll start on all cylinders tomorrow.
Physics B discussed the fields and expectations of physics, concentrating on the use of models to evaluate complex phenomena. We reviewed skills for converting units within the metric system - it is something that will crop up often during problem solving. An overview of accuracy and precision ended the period and we will expand on that a bit tomorrow before diving into significant figures.
Physics F worked on their Making Cents of Math lab, which allowed students to gain familiarity with the Vernier probeware system, which will be our primary laboratory mechanism all year.
Physical Science completed their linear relationship lab and we took time to discus the results. The ability to work with linear relationships in a quantitative and a qualitative way are vital skills for success in physics. We will revisit this relationship many times throughout the course. If you need any practice calculating slope or writing equations of lines, ask me and I'll pull something together for you.
Homework
Honors Physics: None
Physics B: None
Physics F: Complete lab writeup
Physical Science: Complete lab writeup
8/31/10
Back in the Saddle Again
Well, here we are for another round of quality education.
Honors Physics and Physics B and F reviewed the syllabus, course expectations, lab and homework procedures and got textbooks. Tomorrow, Honors Physics and Physics B will embark on a review of basic skills for science, such as the scientific method and the metric system. Physics G will conduct a lab investigation that will introduce students to the Vernier probeware system.
Physical Science received their class materials/books, and since this was long block for them, began an investigation to learn the Vernier probeware system. Students used a force sensor to evaluate the relationship between weight and number of pennies in a cup. It was not expected that students would finish the lab, but every group got quite far in the lab procedure. Tomorrow, that lab will be completed and we will, hopefully, have time to have a discussion about the importance of mathematical relationships, such as a linear relationship, to understanding science.
Homework
Honors Physics: Practice 1A and the 1.2 Section Review
Physics B: Practice 1A
Physical Science: None
Physics F: Read lab protocol sheet and Vernier handout
Honors Physics and Physics B and F reviewed the syllabus, course expectations, lab and homework procedures and got textbooks. Tomorrow, Honors Physics and Physics B will embark on a review of basic skills for science, such as the scientific method and the metric system. Physics G will conduct a lab investigation that will introduce students to the Vernier probeware system.
Physical Science received their class materials/books, and since this was long block for them, began an investigation to learn the Vernier probeware system. Students used a force sensor to evaluate the relationship between weight and number of pennies in a cup. It was not expected that students would finish the lab, but every group got quite far in the lab procedure. Tomorrow, that lab will be completed and we will, hopefully, have time to have a discussion about the importance of mathematical relationships, such as a linear relationship, to understanding science.
Homework
Honors Physics: Practice 1A and the 1.2 Section Review
Physics B: Practice 1A
Physical Science: None
Physics F: Read lab protocol sheet and Vernier handout
8/11/10
If You Miss This
You are a NOOB! Meteor showers are wonderful and the Perseids, plus a planetary alignment is super-spectacularly wonderful. Get you butt outside and enjoy the show...
Perseid Meteor Shower Coming Thursday
Perseid Meteor Shower Coming Thursday
8/6/10
8/2/10
7/23/10
More Movie News
I could write a novel on the effect the original Tron had on me, my friends and movie history, but I'll put that off until later. The very, very long awaited sequel will drop soon and all the signs point to it being a life-changing experience. Ok, may that's an exaggeration, but with Jeff Bridges and Bruce Boxleitner back, along with kickin' CGI work...I may have to violate my "wait until it comes out on cable" rule and catch this one in the theaters. Here's one trailer, so you can see what I'm salivating over...
Interesting Movie News
Now, I've never made any bones about thinking Karl Urban was one of my favorite actors. I mean, come on...
Doom, Chronicles of Riddick, Star Trek, LOTR, Pathfinder...now, news is coming out that he's working on making Judge Dredd! Not the laughable (but still entertaining) Sylvester Stallone vehicle, but one faithful to the source comics. This could rock in a big way....
Doom, Chronicles of Riddick, Star Trek, LOTR, Pathfinder...now, news is coming out that he's working on making Judge Dredd! Not the laughable (but still entertaining) Sylvester Stallone vehicle, but one faithful to the source comics. This could rock in a big way....
7/20/10
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