Posts Tagged ‘Inertia’
Quick Newton’s Laws Demo
Posted by: Scott on: December 3, 2010
I was discussing Newton’s Laws and trying to explain how the tension increases in an elevator cable when it starts moving up. The kids get it that the tension when it’s not moving is equal to the weight of the load, but once it starts moving, they get wacky. Some seem to think the only [...]
Inertia Example #111 – The Hammer Head
Posted by: Scott on: July 16, 2008
This is a trick that most real woodworkers know. When you need to replace the handle of a tool, you put the head of the hammer on the handle and then you drive the head down by holding the hammer vertically and hitting the bottom of the handle on a concrete floor. This is also [...]
Inertia Example #517 – The Sledge Hammer & Anvil
Posted by: Scott on: June 25, 2008
Do I really have 517 demonstrations of inertia? It feels that way, but of course I don’t. I max out at around 300. Anyway, this is similar to putting an anvil on your stomach and then hitting an anvil with a sledge hammer. I’m just not that trusting. Here’s how I made it safe for [...]
Inertia Example #406 – Which String Breaks?
Posted by: Scott on: June 20, 2008
I do so many demonstrations of inertia, you’d think it would sink in. Anyway, this is a nice little one I usually start a class with soon after I discuss inertia. The string at “A” is tied to a solid surface. In my room, it’s the TV arm on the wall. String “B” is the [...]
Building Model Rockets
Posted by: Scott on: June 7, 2008
- In: Activities | Outdoor | Projects
- 7 Comments
I started building model rockets with my students this year and I’m glad I did. Most of my students have never built or launched rockets before. A few did in eighth grade, I think maybe two or three did with their parents, but out of the 100 or so seniors that I teach, that’s was [...]
Hoverpuck – Must Have
Posted by: Scott on: June 6, 2008
Have you seen one of these? It’s a small, battery powered hovercar in the shape of a large hockey puck. It’s only about six or eight inches across. When I’m teaching Newton’s 1st law, I take these out (I have three of them) and I launch them around the room. I let the kids play, [...]
The Apple and the Banana
Posted by: Scott on: June 2, 2008
These were new to me, I saw Lou Bloomberg do them at an Educator’s Day up at Penn State. This is for the teacher to do since it involves a sharp knife. Place an apple on the edge of the table and use a long knife and a quick flick of the wrist to slice [...]
Pulling out the Tablecloth
Posted by: Scott on: June 1, 2008
I hope everyone that teaches inertia does this demonstration. I let the kids do it also. I have a couple dos and don’ts for making this a success. Pull the tablecloth out with a quick, single motion. If you pull slowly, friction will start the dishes moving towards you. Choke up on the tablecloth. You [...]
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