Acceleration Lab

This activity is based on the Paradigm Lab for the Accelerated Motion unit in the Modeling Physics curriculum. The basic idea is to have the students derive the basic equations for motion that in a traditional physics class the students would simply be provided with. Research shows that when students build knowledge for themselves they are much more likely to retain that knowledge and will be able to build on that knowledge. The apparatus is placed between two parallel tracks at a slight angle. These tracks can be electrical conduit or something like Pasco Dynamics tracks (if you have them) on their sides. The cones sit on the tracks and allow acceleration to be slow enough to allow students to easily mark its position at one second intervals. There are two versions of the apparatus. One that is complete and a second that requires a CD or DVD as the central disk. ObjectivesStudents will create graphical models of accelerated motion Students will create a mathematical model for accelera