Modeling Instruction
in Physics
By Kelly Forest
Experimentation
First 2-3 weeks – Learn
how to run an experiment
- Volume of water in a
glass container and the
height of water
- Pendulum
- Pizza price and area
- Circumference and
diameter of tree
- sides of cube and
surface area/volume
- spring lab
How to have more confidence
in your data
• Take as many data points you can given the time
allotted
• Do multiple trials – shows error
• Maximize your range (we discuss this in class – I
have pendulums that are 3 meters long to as
small as 30 cm)
How to represent data?
• Data Table
• Good for looking at error, not for looking at trend
• Graphs
• Good for looking at trends, not for predictions
Equations
Good for looking at predictions
Y=mx + b becomes
Word = number (word) + number
Lab time
Lab Reports
• Write purpose of lab
• Data table that includes all trials, average and
error
• Graph (Whiteboard graph – which consists of
label/units on axis, maximum values and trend
line)
• Mathematical model
• Conclusion or questions
Day after lab
WHITEBOARDS
•
DISCUSSIONS
Find the equations of physics
and make predictions
EQUATIONS
PREDICTIONS
• What is the potential
energy of a spring with a
spring constant of 45
N/m that is displaced 20
cm?
Force of a spring = 45 N/m (displacement)
F = k ∆x
Area under graph = Spring Energy
• E = ½ k ∆x^2
• E = ½ (45N/m)(0.2m)^2
• E=
Why change to modeling
instruction?
Teamwork
Communication
Lab Challenges – After units
How to get started ?
• Buy some whiteboards
• Be willing to try new things
• If something doesn’t work for you, try something else, but
keep trying.
• Find a mentor who is willing to answer your questions and
work with you.
• Modeling sites – AMTA – America modeling teachers
association: modelinginstruction.org
Questions?
•
•
•
•
Kelly Forest
Science Department Head/physics teacher
Grier School
kforest@grier.org