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Akron Global Polymer Academy Lesson Plans

Impulse: An Investigation of Impulse/Change in Momentum

Grades: 11-12
Author: Jesse Groff
Source: This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. EEC-1161732.

Abstract

This Lesson is based upon the Impulse/ Change in Momentum Theorem. This inquiry lesson will allow students to explore the Impulse/ Change in Momentum Theorem using a force plate sensor and energy dampening materials to distribute the force of a falling mass over time. An acrylic cylindrical tube will be utilized as a container for each chosen material. A mass that fits the tube well will be dropped from a particular height. The force plate will register the force peak from the drop and the change in time in which this force was imparted. Students will be able to quantify Force and Change in time data as the materials are changed in order to record them in a data table for analysis. Each material will be given a specific cost. This is to ensure that students remember that in engineering ideas are meant to be scaled up and cost effective so they do not go overboard out of the gate. Through this Inquiry, students will learn the necessary content as well as working "like and engineer".

Objectives

What should students know as a result of this lesson?

What should the students be able to do as a result of this lesson?

Materials

Procedures

Engagement

To engage students we will do an exercise called force plate jumping. A force plate is placed on the ground and students are asked to jump from a chair to the force plate sensor. The first jump they are to keep their legs straight, and the second they are asked to bend their knees when they land. This video will help to explain the procedure in greater detail. Only the instructor should watch this video.

After the demo the instructor can pose questions.

Assessment:

Some examples are:

Exploration

Drop It Like It's Hot Lab

In this lab students will use various materials to develop an efficient plan for decreasing or dampening the impact force of a falling mass by increasing its impact time. Each material used for dampening will have different costs so students control their "spending". The only change that will occur is the material used or the amount of the material used. In the real world materials are used to accomplish this task on a regular basis. Whether it is cushions on a couch or an air bag in a car, many real world examples can be brought to light in order to add relevance to the lab. For further lab details, please read the lab document below.

Assessment:

Analysis questions will be at the end of the lab addressing the Impulse Momentum Theorem.

Explanation

In this section groups will present their findings to the class. They will present their findings in a power point like presentation discussing their data and results. Here they will explain their procedure, results, and their conclusion. A simple rubric will be used to asses the students. The rubric will be attached to the lab.

Assessment:

Presentation Rubric

Elaboration

This section will provide a good transition to move into the next section within the unit (collisions). Comparing inelastic to elastic collisions which is a key standard to be addressed.

A quiz will be used to evaluate the students mastery of the Impulse Momentum Theorem. (Analysis Questions and Presentation)

Prerequisites

Students must know the following in order to actively participate in this lesson:

  1. An understanding of free fall.
  2. An understanding of the scientific method as it pertains to engineering.
  3. What the word dampening means.
  4. How to operate Vernier's Logger Pro software.
  5. An understanding on how to define/calculate Impulse and Change in Momentum.

Best Teaching Practices

Alignment with Standards

NGSS Standards:

Common Core Standards:

Ohio Standards:

Content Knowledge

Problem Solving using the scientific method

Momentum and the Impulse Momentum Theorem

Data collection and data presentation

Gravitational Field forces

Safety

Safety Equipment Needed:

Safety Procedures Reminder:

Applications

This content is applied to the real world by relating the lesson to testing materials for engineering purposes. Engineering seeks to find uses for inventions and innovations that can make life be easier and have better quality. Materials must be tested and scrutinized before consumers can have a chance to buy and use the new technology. This testing is a skill that must be learned and developed and this lesson gives a window into that process. Students who go on into the engineering field need to be able to do this process of testing and analyzing in order to meet a certain goal. In this case specifically, the reduction of impact is used in many fields especially when it pertains to safety.

Assessment

Direct questioning

Analysis questions from the "Drop It Like It's Hot Lab".

Presentation Rubric

Other Considerations

Grouping Suggestions: I have about 25-30 students. I am grouping my students in groups of 5. I think that five is a good number for this lab because materials are costly and there is going to be a high number of samples. In order for this lesson to go smoothly I think larger groups are better than groups of two or three unless you are working in a system that has small class sizes, then groups of two or three would be ideal. It basically comes down to amount of samples and cost for materials.

Pacing/Suggested Time: My classes are 47minutes in length. I will spread this lesson out over four days.

Printable PDF Worksheets

Drop It Like It's Hot Lab

Presentation Rubric