Falling objects can be brutal if you don't protect your noodle! Scholars explore the motion of falling objects through measuring short intervals to determine if the distance traveled varies with time. Building off of this, scholars determine the magnitude of gravitational acceleration. Finally, they determine if heavy or light objects fall faster.

Concepts

kinematics, gravity, gravitational force, gravitational potential energy

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Discuss why software is used rather than a stopwatch

Classroom Considerations

• Basic lesson requires calculator skills while the advanced lesson assumes knowledge of algebra
• Must install Audacity on one computer for every two to three students; the advanced lesson additionally relies on Excel

Pros

• Includes a basic lesson as well as a more advanced lesson for varying ages and ability levels
• Provides an introductory lecture that can be read as is and highlights the related vocabulary

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.3 RST.9-10.3 RST.11-12.3