Name of Assignment: Position Vs. Time Graph Lab/PASCO Dance Lab
Subject: Physics 151
Facilitator/Teacher: Buddhi Rai
Subject: Physics 151
Facilitator/Teacher: Buddhi Rai
Project Description
In groups of two, we were given a position vs. time graph and a motion sensor. We had to move around (“dance”) in front of the motion sensor to generate our own position vs. time graph that was identical to the one we were given. From our position vs. time graph, we calculated our average velocity and speed of our dance.
The second part of this project was an air-resistance lab. We dropped a golf ball from different heights and compared their average velocities and acceleration. We also dropped coffee filters from different heights, and stacked coffee filters on top of one another to see how it affected their fall speed. Together, the labs provided us with a better understanding of speed and velocity. |
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Which 21st Century Skill do you feel this assignment addresses, and why?
I think this project addresses interpersonal skills because I had to work with a partner for this project. Even though we had individual graphs, we worked together to record each other and fill out the accompanying questions on the lab assignment.
What are you most proud of from this assignment, and why?
I am proud of the way that I was able to work with a partner on this project. I think that we communicated very well and had an equal amount of input. Physics concepts can be confusing at times, and discussing and fleshing out your ideas with a partner can be really helpful.
How did you develop and/or improve upon your 21st Century Skill with this assignment?
I developed interpersonal skills in this assignment by reaching out to my partner for help and input, and giving help and input whenever I was able. Sometimes I have trouble discussing subjects with others, especially when the concept is difficult, but I think that my partner and I worked very well together for this project.
What was most difficult about completing this task?
The most difficult aspect of this project was taking the measurements for the air-resistance lab. At one point we had to find the amount of time it takes for a golf ball to hit the ground after being dropped from a height of 0.5 meters. It was difficult to get accurate times because the time we were measuring was faster than our reaction time (faster than about 0.25 seconds).
How could you improve this work? If you could start over, what would you do different?
When we calculated the average acceleration for the golf ball based on our measurements, we got 10.1 seconds which is close to the actual acceleration of gravity (9.8 seconds). However, I still think that I could have gotten more precise measurements for the golf ball time trials.
For the PASCO dance lab, I think that I could have created a graph that was more identical to the one we were given. I could have rehearsed the magnitude and speeds of my movements to match the graph.
For the PASCO dance lab, I think that I could have created a graph that was more identical to the one we were given. I could have rehearsed the magnitude and speeds of my movements to match the graph.
How does this relate to what you have learned in the past?
This project relates to my past knowledge of speed, velocity, and acceleration. I have learned about speed, velocity, and acceleration throughout elementary and middle school, and this class allowed me to revisit these concepts and explore them in more depth.
How can you apply this to future learning?
Being able to see speed and velocity concretely has helped me develop a better understanding of the different measurements. I can use my knowledge of speed, velocity, and acceleration to understand more complex physics concepts and in future labs.
Our Physics 151 class in general also has some focus on MCAT preparation. Since I plan on pursuing a medical career, I should try to retain what I’ve learned in this class and apply it to my future biomedical studies.
Our Physics 151 class in general also has some focus on MCAT preparation. Since I plan on pursuing a medical career, I should try to retain what I’ve learned in this class and apply it to my future biomedical studies.