Science

We had our first test on one- and two-dimensional kinematics.  The boys also designed their second laboratory: Measurement of Friction Coefficients.  We have started and almost completed Newton’s Laws.  We spent a lot of time of contact forces and friction.  We also introduced the role of integration in physics.  This was done via the exploration of air resistance in free-fall.  We solved the problem analytically and also introduced the concept of numerical integration.  A day was spent demonstrating how to integrate on an Excel spreadsheet.  Next week the boys will be assigned a problem exploring free fall and numerical integration.  They will also be required to perform one of the laboratories designed by their fellow students.  We will be exploring energy towards the end of the week.

During the first two weeks we have introduced the application of calculus to kinematics.  We demonstrated how using simple derivatives of polynomials allowed a more robust representation of one-dimensional (linear motion) and two-dimensional (projectile motion) kinematics.  We also introduced the concepts of unit vectors and the scalar (dot) product.  We showed how the dot product of a vector with itself is really just the Pythagorean theorem.

 The students were asked to design a lab to measure acceleration using the equipment available to them.  Their procedures were then used by other groups.  It turned out to be quite successful.

Two homework assignments and two practice quizzes were the assessments for the first two weeks.

Next week we will continue the discussion of Newton’s Laws and their applications to motion.  The concepts of friction and a rigorous look at Newton’s third law will be explored through lecture and in-class problem solving.