Variables/ Swingers
Part 1: Exploring Swingers
Part 2: Testing Variables
Part 3: Predicting Swings
Part 1: Exploring Swingers
 Pendulum- a mass hanging from a fixed
point that is free to swing to and fro
(swinger)
 Cycle- motion or activity that repeats
itself
 Variable- anything that you can change
in an experiment that might affect the
outcome of it
 Draw a diagram of a swinger system
Part 1: Exploring Swingers
 Controlling Variables- changing 1 thing
at a time in an experiment
 What are pendulum system variables?
 How can I speed up a pendulum
system?
 How can I slow down a pendulum
system?
 What are the parts of the pendulum
system?
Part 1: Exploring Swingers
 Pendulum system variables include the
release position, the mass at the end of
the pendulum, and the length of the
pendulum.
 To speed up a pendulum, you must
shorten its’ length.
 To slow down a pendulum, lengthen it.
 Pendulum system parts include the
string, the paper clip, the penny, the
tape, and the pencil
Part 2: Testing Variables
 Experiment- investigation designed to
find out how variables affect outcomes
 Controlled Experiment- an experiment in
which one variable is changed and the
outcome is compared to a standard
 Standard- a basic procedure used in an
experiment before changing any
variables.
Part 2: Testing Variables
 What effect will changing the release
position have on the number of swings?
 What effect will adding mass to the
pendulum bob have on the number of
swings?
 What effect will changing pendulum
length have on the number of swings?
Part 2: Testing Variables
 Release position does not affect the
number of swings.
 Mass of the bob does not affect the
number of swings.
 Pendulum length does affect the number
of swings. The longer the pendulum, the
fewer swings. The shorter the
pendulum, the more swings.
Part 3: Predicting Swings
 Two-coordinate graph- graph that shows
the outcome of a series of experiments
when a variable is changed by steps
 Prediction- an estimate based on
information or experience
Part 3: Predicting Swings
 How can a two- coordinate graph help to
determine the value of a variable?
 What can I do to be sure my
experiments are accurate?
Part 3: Predicting Swings
 A two- coordinate graph can help to
determine the value of a related variable
if one of the 2 variables is known
 To be sure my experiments are accurate,
I can control all variables that are not
being investigated. I can repeat
experiments, and I can use small units to
record data