Inquiry Physics Objectives

Links:

Content Standard IV (State PASS Standard 2):
Conservation of Energy

Topic:

1. Work and power (local standard)
   The product of applied force and the distance moved parallel to that force is work. Power is the rate at which work is done.

Time Range:
4 weeks for standard IV

Suggested Teaching Strategies:

• Core lab will help invent the concept of work. Analysis of errors in the data can illustrate how simple machines create extra work due to friction, leading to the concept of efficiency.
• A fun power lab is to have students run stairs at the stadium and measure their horsepower output.
• Optional topics could include other simple machines such as pulleys.

Aligned Resources:

• Core Lab 10: Work
  Inquiry Physics Investigation 13, Lab A: Working With An Inclined Plane
• Inquiry Physics Investigation 13 – Work, Power, and Energy including Lab B: Personal Power
• Videotape: The Mechanical Universe - segment on work and energy
• Optional student lab use or teacher demonstration use of pulleys, wheels and axles, etc.

Revision Date:
June 2004