PHYSICS INQUIRY

Science 10
2015

DROP IT LIKE ITS

HOT

In this project, you will explore the physics of falling objects and
their impact on the human body. Fun!

Project Outcome

You will model the physics of falling objects on the human body
by creating a realistic human substitute (organs and all) and
dropping a large mass from the top of the Genesis bleachers.
Why? Its fun. And Bwe can use this simulation to model:
Acceleration due to Gravity
Vector and Scalar Quantities

Law of Conservation of Energy

Newtons 3 Laws

Timeline
Week

Topic

Deliverable

Project Introduction/Sig Figs

Project Proposal

Vector and Scalar Quantities

Ticker Tape Lab

1/2

2/3

Human Body
Acceleration Due to Gravity

Acceleration Lab

Work and Potential Energy

Work Lab

Potential and Kinetic Energy

Potential and
Kinetic Lab
(Mechanical)

Thermodynamics and Efficiency

Project Due

Review Day

Physics Unit Exam

Efficiency Lab

* over arching theme: energy transformations

Grading Deliverables
Criteria

Grade %

A - Project Proposal

20

B - Ticker Tape Lab

C - Human Body Replica

10

D - Acceleration Lab

20

E - Work and Potential Energy Lab

20

F - Potential Energy and Kinetic Energy Lab

20

G - Thermodynamics & Efficiency Lab

Proposal Rubric

Names: ______________________________________________________

Grade:

/16

Project Proposal Checklist:

Materials List Included for idea

Project
Proposal
Proposal
clearly
identifies

/4

Project Criteria

/4

/4

Outstanding

Very Good

Fair

Poor

Proposal clearly
identifies main
ideas and how
phenomena will
be investigated.
Creative ideas for
model are
present.

Proposal
identifies main
ideas and most
phenomena to
be investigated.
Creativity
present, but not
practical.

Proposal is
missing main
ideas and
phenomena to
be investigated.
Creativity is
lacking or
impractical.

Idea is present
but, lacks
engagement
and required
phenomena.
No creativity
and
impractical.

Idea is not
clearly
presented.

Clearly identifies
physics
phenomena
investigated and
describes criteria
necessary for
calculations that
will be used.

Identifies
physics
phenomena
investigated, but
lack complete
descriptions for
criteria on
calculations
used.

Some of the
physics
phenomena
investigated are
mentioned but
missing details
on how
calculations will
be performed.

Major parts of
phenomena
are not
explained,
criteria is not
described and
does not
explain how
calculations
will be used.

Does not
explain the
criteria.

Data collection,
recording and
analysis is
explained in
most cases.

Data collection,
recording and
analysis is
addressed.

Clearly identifies
how they will
collect, record
and analyse data.

Data collection
is mentioned
but not
explained.

Free Body
Diagram

/4

Diagram shows
all of the
measured Criteria
and their
appropriate
location.

Diagram shows
most of the
measured
Criteria in
appropriate
locations.

Diagram
attempts to
show most of
the criteria in
location.

A diagram is
present but no
reference is
made to the
criteria

No
diagram
included.

Final Project Observation Table

Criteria

Observation

Mass of Object (kg)

Motion Time (ms)

Trial 1:

Trial 2:

Height (m)
F(N)
Work and Potential Energy Calculations (W = Fd and Ep = mgh)

Velocity Calculations Using d = (vi +vf ) x t

2

Work, Potential Energy, and Kinetic Energy Reconciliation

% Error Calculation = [(Work) - (Potential Energy)] x 100
(Potential Energy)

Trial 3:

Kinetic Energy = mv2

% Error Calculation = [(Kinetic Energy) - (Potential Energy)]
(Kinetic Energy)

x 100

Acceleration Due to Gravity Calculation (a = (vf-vi)/2)

% Error Calculation = Experimental ag- Theoretical ag

Theoretical a g

x 100