Modeling Instruction in Physics By Kelly Forest

ExperimentationFirst 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 predictionsEquations 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?

• E = ½ k ∆x^2• E = ½ (45N/m)(0.2m)^2• E =

Force of a spring = 45 N/m (displacement) F = k ∆xArea under graph = Spring Energy

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