Inquiry Physics Objectives

Links:

Content Standard I (Local):
Measurement

Topic:

5. Math relationships and graphs
   Many physics math relationships involve linear, parabolic, and hyperbolic functions and graphs.

Time Range:
1 week for Standard I

Suggested Teaching Strategies:

• Instruct/review students on the name, formal equation, simplified equation, proportion, and an example of the following basic functions: linear, parabolic, and hyperbolic.
• When applicable, ask students to construct and interpret graphs of their experimental data. Using computer technology to obtain best-fit lines and curves is recommended, but having probeware construct the graph with no student involvement is NOT recommended.
• When studying motion, have students walk in front of a motion detector connected to a computer for instantaneous graphing of displacement, velocity, and acceleration vs. time. Have students try to match their motion to pre-set d vs. t and v vs. t graphs.
• When studying projectiles, have students act out or make a ball conform to pre-set v vs. t graphs of horizontal and vertical motion (see Inquiry Physics Investigation 3: Kinesthetic Graphs Activity).

Aligned Resources:

• Core Lab 1: One-Dimensional Motion (construct and interpret parabolic d vs. t and linear v vs. t graph)
  Inquiry Physics Investigation 1, Lab
• Core Lab 3: Forces and Acceleration (optional: construct and interpret d vs. a graph showing zero slope and no relationship; mandatory: construct and interpret linear F vs. a graph)
  Inquiry Physics Investigation 5, Labs A & B; Investigation 7: Lab Interpretation
• Core Lab 5: Mass and Acceleration (construct and interpret hyperbolic m vs. a graph OR linear 1/m vs. a graph)
  Inquiry Physics Investigation 6, Lab B; Investigation 7: Lab Interpretation
• Core Lab 12: Ohm’s Law (construct and interpret linear V vs. I and hyperbolic R vs. I graphs)
  Inquiry Physics Investigation 15, Lab C
• Inquiry Physics Investigation 1, Worksheet B: Interpreting Motion Graphs
• Inquiry Physics Investigation 3, Kinesthetic Graphs Activity
• Inquiry Physics Investigation 3, Concept Review

Revision Date:
December 2002