Major Assignments for January

We have three deadlines students need to meet to be "On Track" in January. I would encourage students who have extra time over vacation to get started right away (it will probably easier while it is fresher in your mind also). Although you need to take your "official" quiz in class, you may practice outside of class to be sure you are prepared.

January 6th - Students need to pass the Force and Motion level 2 Measurement topic test
(HERE). 80% is the target.

January 13th - Students need to pass the Force and Motion level 3/4 Measurement topic test
(HERE). 70% is a "3", 90% is a "4".

January 2oth - Student's demonstrations of the Force and Motion measurement topics are due. The demonstration can be almost anything - an experiment, a poster, a presentation, an engineering design, a research paper, etc. I will work with students in choosing their demonstrations. All demonstrations use the same rubric (HERE), so whatever you choose to do, you must be sure to hit the key concepts.

Homework for December 12 - 21

December 12/13 - Read 5.3, prepare for a quiz.
December 14/15 Read 6.1, prepare for a quiz.
December 16/19 Read 6.2, Prepare for a quiz.
December 20/21 Read 6.3, Prepare for a quiz.

In Class Work for December 6/7 + HW

Your choices are:

Explore Learning (Earn a Lab Work Stamp) - Complete any of the following:
Inclined Plane, Pulleys, Ants on a Slant or Wheel and Axel.

Force and Motion Tests - Work on your Measurement Topic tests for Force and Motion.
HERE is the page.

Hands on - Complete a more detailed version of the pulley lab we did last class. (Lab 4A in the soft cover book).

Engineering. Research "Rube Golberg Machines". Design one (on paper) that uses at least 6 different simple machines.

Problem solving. Do at least 6 problems from 4.1 in the white binder (be sure to SHOW the problem solving method). These are 3 level problems. For 2 level problems, try 4.2.

Homework is to read 5.1 and prepare for a quiz.

December 2/5 Homework.

Read 4.3 and prepare for a Quiz.

November 30/Dec 1 - quiz and survey links, plus HW

Today we'll be talking about code of conduct and such. In that spirit I would like you to give me some feedback on how I've been doing on the Teacher Code of Conduct we set at the start of the year.

The survey link is HERE
Its anonymous of course, so be honest!

In case you've misplaced it, HERE is the link to the regular quiz page, where we will be taking 4.1 today.

The homework is to read 4.2 and prepare for a quiz.

Assignment for November 28/29

Hello everyone!

First, the basic homework for next class is to read 4.1 and prepare for a quiz.

Also, at this point students can begin working on getting our first big Measurement topic quizzes out of the way. Some students may be able to take these tests much sooner than others, with a small amount of extra prep work. These quizzes measure specific measurement topic content, (like knowing what potential energy is) rather than the skills we practice in class, such as problem solving or engineering.

I have created a web page to keep things organized:

MEASUREMENT TOPICS QUIZ PAGE.

Go there and check it out. Feel free to try a quiz for practice and to see how much you already know, but only "official" attempts in class count.

November 17/18 - Quiz Link

We'll be taking the quiz on potential and kinetic energy today. As a reminder, HERE is the link to the quiz page. Book mark it if you haven't. If you need to create a new account because you forgot the pass word or the like the class code is KEPRM763

Egg Car Test Dates

The Egg Car Test Dates are as follows:

First Test

White Day November 21
Red Day November 22

Second Test
Red Day November 28
White Day November 29

You need a car ready to go for each of these trials. The criteria (rubric) can be found HERE.
One common problem is making your car too wide. Remember that the track is only 3" wide, so a car more than 2" wide is not available.

In Class work for November 9/10

First, take the quiz (3.3).
HERE is the page for all quizzes now. Bookmark it if you haven't.
Need to create an account (either because you were absent or lost your username/password)?
Go HERE and use the class code KEPRM763


Second, Choose one of the following to work on:

Problem Solving: Go to the white binders on the back table and work on problems from 2.2, 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 - Goal: Complete 6 problems. Remember you must show the problem solving method (looking for, given, equation), all work, and correct units at every step to earn a stamp.
Problems in 2.2 and 3.1 are "2 Level" primarily
Problems in 3.2 and 3.3 are "3 level" with some "4 Level" skills in places.

Learn about kinetic and Potential Energy in depth using a simulation- go to explorelearning.com (bookmark it). Login as "physicsfirst" - Password 123456 Click on the "Roller Coaster Physics" gizmo. Download the "Student guide". Follow the directions and answer the questions. Make notes of what you can include in your lab report - this is great stuff for your introduction and can give you ideas for your conclusion as well. Goal: Answer all questions on student guide for a Lab Work stamp.

Work on the Engineering Standard. Create drawings for 3 different egg cars. For each, be sure it has a "Theme", a "Crumple Zone", a "Safety Cage" and a "Restraint System". These should be rough sketches. Please post your sketches on the wall. You can then narrow down your ideas to a single one to build and create a "Scale Drawing", using a scale of 2:1, meaning the drawing is twice as big as the real car. Be sure to measure an egg so you can draw it in at the right size, and the wheels as well. Once you have an approved plan, you can start working on making it.

Hands on Work - Do lab 3A, which involves crashing cars on the track and observing the result. Directions are in the soft cover lab books. Complete all data tables and answer all questions with your group. This earns you lab work stamps, and if you can complete it independently, thats a "4 Level" skill. Quiz afterwards, link available soon.

Egg Car Video Assignment - Due Nov 16/17

First, if you were absent Monday (Nov 7th) or Tuesday (Nov 8th), you need to watch the video we saw in class (22 minutes), which is HERE. Its on the Physics of Car Crashes.

Second, we need to explore new science concepts - Potential and Kinetic Energy, plus Work.

Please watch the following Eureka Episodes:
First about "Work" - which is what energy does, or what you do to transform energy.

Second, about Kinetic Energy.

Third about Potential Energy.

Now you have a choice. Either watch the advanced video HERE,
OR, write or draw a one page summary of what you've learned.

Either way, there will be a quiz on this material.

Engineering Trade Offs (Homework for Nov. 7/8)

Here are the details on the assignment we started in class (to be finished at home), in case you've forgotten.

Select a vehicle to analyze - your favorite car, your least favorite truck, an interesting design you've heard of, even an ATV or motorcycle.

For the design of your vehicle, identify the "Trade offs" made in its design. Trade offs are not quite the same as pros and cons. A trade off is a decision an engineering makes that has both positive and negative results. Example:

A high ground clearance gives good off road ability and helps in some kinds of crashes, but results in worse millage and makes a vehicle more likely to roll over.

Thus the designers of the Jeep Cherokee made a trade off - higher clearance for off roading, but less fuel economy and less stability.

Engineers make all kinds of trade offs in every design. Try to explain at least 3 for your vehicle.

Lab Report Rubric (Nov 3/4)

We've been working on a lab report for the Marble Wars this last week (due Nov 3/4). I've gotten an electronic version of the Rubric, which is HERE.

Lab Report Due November 3rd/4th

First, the Big Item -

Lab reports on the Marble Wars data are due November 3rd (Red day students), or November 4th (white day students). We will use the same rubric we used for the Rocket Experiments, but in this case it does not have to be a poster. Students will earn demonstrations (stamps) for Lab Reports, Lab Work, and Effective Graphing. (Scientific Inquiry Measurement Topics.)

Homework Change:
We will be pausing in our reading (after reading 3.1) for a while. STUDENTS DO NOT NEED TO READ ADDITIONAL SECTIONS AT THIS TIME. Instead they should work on their lab report a little each night. Remember that if you meet the standard on this lab report you do not have to do it again this year! If you can finish it early, I'm happy to look it over and tell you if anything needs to be fixed.

In Class Work: Students will be continuing to work on their choices from October 24/25 (see that blog entry for more details). While this is going on, we will be holding the Marble Wars Tournament! It is expected you will continue working during the time when your team is not playing.

Extra Help - I will be calling some students for intervention help with the lab report, but if you are struggling, don't hesitate to request to come during intervention period, or drop in before or after school.

In Class Work for Oct 24/25

Today is a work day with various choices related to Projectile Motion. I will be going over grade stuff and introducing a new resource, as well as "Qualifying" teams for the Marble Wars.

First, take the quiz (3.1 for red day students, 2.4 for white day students).
HERE is the page for all quizzes now. Bookmark it if you haven't.
Need to create an account (either because you were absent or lost your username/password)?
Go HERE and use the class code KEPRM763

Second, go get your achievement tracker. Note any new stamps you earned for the Rocket Project.

Third, after the explore learning intro and discussion of grades, choose one of the following goals. As usual, write your choice on the board. We will continue this goal next class. IF YOU HAVE NOT YET MADE A GRAPH OF YOUR DATA, CHOOSE THAT GOAL first.

Graph of Data: Make a graph of your Marble Wars data. I recommend using create a graph classic, HERE.

Problem Solving: Go to the white binders on the back table and work on problems from 2.2 and 3.1 Goal: Complete 6 problems. Remember you must show the problem solving method (looking for, given, equation), all work, and correct units at every step.

Learn about projectiles in depth using a simulation- go to explorelearning.com (bookmark it). Login as "physicsfirst" - Password 123456 Click on the "Golf Range" gizmo. Download the "Student guide". Follow the directions and answer the questions. Make notes of what you can include in your lab report - this is great stuff for your introduction and can give you ideas for your conclusion as well. Goal: Answer all questions on student guide.

Lab Report: Work on writing a lab report to prove your Hypothesis. Rubrics are on the back table. Goal: Complete the lab report. Due November 3/4

No hands on option today as I will be using the marble launchers for the qualifying. : (

Quiz 2.3 Link

Is HERE. Note that because this is a true and false quiz, it will not show you which ones you got wrong, as that would be tooooo easy.

Quiz 2.2 Link

http://www.quia.com/quiz/1134109.html

Resources for the Rocket Project

With progress reports being extended, and many students being away for the supreme court on thursday, we are moving this project to being due at the end of class on the 14th or 17th of October, whichever day we have class.

Makeup Rocket Launches will be available Friday during intervention for those that need them.

With most of the actual work done for the project (building rockets, doing experiments, collecting data) , students now need to complete the calculations and other activities that go with it. To help with that, we have the following resources:

How to do a Scale Drawing

Graphing.

Graphs of position vs time as they relate to speed.

More advanced Mathmatical version with humorous cartoon characters.

Very thorough video on graphing velocity vs time and speed vs time. (10 minutes).


How to calculate the speed of a falling object

How to calculate distance a falling object travels based on time.


How to calculate acceleration and speed (uses a fun example with dune buggies).

Quiz 2.1 Link

Is HERE

Fourth Video Assignment - Due Oct 12 or 13th

It is now time to be sure we know how to do all the parts of the Rocket Project. We want to calculate not only its average velocity, but also its velocity on take off and impact. We would like to know its acceleration on take off, and thus the force on it. We would also like to make graphs of its motion.

First, we need to know a little bit about falling objects.
Watch this video HERE. Its a bit long (16 minutes) but after seeing it you will know how to calculate many of the things we need for our rocket, such as finding its height from the time it is in the air.

Take notes on the equations used, and be prepared to show them at the start of class.

Second, we'll be making graphs of motion. Check out THIS video. Then make your own graph of motion, and be prepared to show it at the start of class. Don't spend a great deal of time on this - a quick rough graph is fine. For example, you could graph the motion of your car when it drives out of your drive way - when does it speed up, slow down, stop? You can do position vs time or velocity vs time.

Good job! We'll be working on the Rocket project in class. Remember that you are still responsible for keeping up the reading, one section at a time.

1.3 Quiz Link

The link for quiz 1.3 is HERE.

New Rocket Videos, homework reminders -

Here are some nice ones of water bottle rockets, including some nice slow mo of the moment of take off. Think about how this helps us understand the flight of the rocket - during which portions of the flight is it accelerating upward?

Remember that you need to read one section of the book per class, with a quiz at the start of class. The current assignment is to read 1.3 (chapter 1, section 3).

Due Dates for early October

Next Class, Oct 4/5 depending on if you have a white day or a red day, you will need to take the quiz on 1.2 (located HERE), and will launch your final rocket, which should be an improved design from your first one.

Oct 6/7 we will process the data from our rocket project, and calculate various things such as its speed on impact.

Oct 11/12 we will work with learning to make graphs of motion and creating graphs of motion of our rockets.

Oct 13/14 is a work day, the rocket project is due at the END of class. Those who have it completed at the start of class have made a good choice (Nothing can go wrong, right?) and will earn a Work Ethic 4.

Only work done by Oct 14th can be considered for progress reports, which will be issued the next week.

First, take the quiz on section 1.1. HERE is the link. It is closed book. If you don't do well the first time, you can try again once after seeing which ones you got wrong.

If you still do poorly, don't worry about it too much. There will be many quizzes. However, it does indicate that you need to work on your reading/studying skills. For next quiz, try using a new reading strategy. Maybe you need to take notes as you read. Maybe you need to find a new, quieter place to read. Maybe you need to read with a friend and discuss it. Maybe you need to focus on the objectives and vocabulary. Figure out what works for you!

Second, go get your achievement tracker (the sheet with the stamps on it) and keep it at your desk. I'll be around to talk about it.

Third, choose a goal to work on and write your name on the board next to that goal. If you have an unfinished goal from last time, you should keep on with that one if at all possible.


Problem Solving Standard:
Using the white Problem Solving Binders, go to section 2.2 and complete at least 6 acceleration problems, showing proper method. Be sure to read how to solve these problems, and if needed, check out these videos on the problem solving method. Check your answers in the back.
2 Level Acceleration
3 Level Acceleration

If you have already done those, go on to Newton's Second Law problems (also in section 2.2), and be sure to watch my Favorite problem solving video...

Finally, go on to Acceleration due to gravity (Falling Objects) problems in section 2.3. These are three level problems.
2 Level falling objects.
3 Level falling objects.


Engineering Standard:
Brainstorm ideas for as many different rockets (that you could build) as possible. Come up with some crazy ones! Keep these ideas as evidence for this standard. From the ideas you've come up with, choose 3 to sketch in more detail. Once those sketches are completed, make a more detailed "Scale Drawing" of one of them. To learn about making scale drawing, watch THIS video. I recommend making your drawing on graph paper, with 1 square = 1 inch, so a rocket 20 inches long would be 20 squares. Who uses this stuff?

If you did this last time, figure out how you will change your rocket for the final launch. Use the information on the posters to help you.

Hands On Work (Force and Motion/Collaboration and Lab Work)
Using the lab equipment at the back of the room, the soft cover workbooks, and some help from Mr. McFarland, complete lab 2A - the Law of Inertia. Work with others who have chosen this option. You do not have to write down the answer to every question, but you do need to discuss every one with your group. Everyone should make tables for all Data and use THIS site to make the graph. Everyone should make a graph, its good practice. When the lab is complete, use your data and work as a team to pass THIS quiz.

Dimensional Analysis (Problem Solving Standard). This is a "3 level" skill.
If you feel you need more help with dimensional analysis, watch a video:

Good intro Video, goes slow and very helpful. Uses a slightly different format than I do, but its fine to use.

Mid Level, kind of fun video.

High Level.


Complete a worksheet (on the back table) using the dimensional analysis technique (you MUST show your work, even if you think you can do it in your head). You can look up stuff on the internet if needed.

Third Video Assignment - Due Sept 28/29

We have another series of Eureka videos, now covering velocity, force, mass, and acceleration.
After watching these you should have a finer understanding of how Newton's laws apply to our rockets.

Please watch the following:

Episode 6 (Gravity)
Episode 7 (Weight vs. Mass)

Now you have the usual choice:
Either write 1/2 page of notes

OR

Create a picture summarizing what you've learned

OR

Watch this video and come prepared to discuss it or solve a sample problem:

Newton's 3rd law

In Class Work for Sept 22/23

Now that (almost) everyone has laptops, we will be using the blog to organize some in class activities.

Today is a "Work Day" meaning that you will be working fairly independently, without much direct instruction by the teacher. Instead I will be using this time to work with individual students or small groups. You will also have choices as to what to work on, within limits. Our current project is Rockets, so naturally everything you can do will relate to the physics of Rocketry.

When picking your goal(s) for a work day you should bear in mind which measurement topics from the "Achievement Tracker" sheet you need. We'll review this during class, and since you are just starting out, you can pretty much choose what you would like. In the future, however, if you had already mastered problem solving, you would need to focus on other areas.

Your choices for Today:

Problem Solving Standard:
Using the white Problem Solving Binders, go to section 2.2 and complete at least 6 acceleration problems, showing proper method. Be sure to read how to solve these problems, and if needed, check out these videos on the problem solving method.
2 Level Acceleration
3 Level Acceleration

If time allows, go on to Newton's Second Law problems (also in section 2.2), and be sure to watch my Favorite problem solving video...

Engineering Standard:
Brainstorm ideas for as many different rockets (that you could build) as possible. Come up with some crazy ones! Keep these ideas as evidence for this standard. From the ideas you've come up with, choose 3 to sketch in more detail. Once those sketches are completed, make a more detailed "Scale Drawing" of one of them. To learn about making scale drawing, watch THIS video. I recommend making your drawing on graph paper, with 1 square = 1 inch, so a rocket 20 inches long would be 20 squares. Who uses this stuff?

Hands On Work (Force and Motion/Collaboration and Lab Work)
Using the lab equipment at the back of the room, the soft cover workbooks, and some help from Mr. McFarland, complete lab 2A - the Law of Inertia. Work with others who have chosen this option. You do not have to write down the answer to every question, but you do need to discuss every one with your group. Everyone should make tables for all Data and use THIS site to make the graph. Everyone should make a graph, its good practice. When the lab is complete, use your data and work as a team to pass THIS quiz.

First Grades Posted

Hello Everyone!

The first round of grades are posted to Infinite Campus - an initial Work Ethic score based on my observations during the rocket project, and the score for turning in the Parent Signature form my contact information.

If you need help with logging in to Infinite Campus or locating the grades, I recommend contacting Ms. Leimbach.

Second Video Watching Assignment - Due Sept 22/23

At this point I'd like to take a moment to talk about the role of Video in Physics First. Physics first does not generally use "In Class Lecture" as a learning tool, although I will at times make short presentations or review material. Class time is spent on projects, small group and individual work. Instead, students are expected to use video and textbook resources outside of class to receive basic physics information. This is the "flipped" classroom model - get your information outside of class, but do your "work" in class where the instructor can quickly help you when problems arise.

Right, on to the next Video Assignment.

First, watch the "Eureka" episodes 1 -5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=by-7kkAu2Pg
(You will need to click on "Episode 2" after watching episode one). They are about 5 minutes each.

Next, you have a choice. You can:

1) Write a one page summary of the key ideas you have seen.

OR

2) Draw a picture that shows each of the main ideas in action (you could also make a magazine collage or the like.

OR

3) Go more in depth by watching the videos at:
http://www.khanacademy.org/video/introduction-to-vectors-and-scalars?playlist=Physics
http://www.khanacademy.org/video/solving-for-time?playlist=Physics
http://www.khanacademy.org/video/acceleration?playlist=Physics
(This the preferred option for students who have strong math skills. Each one is about 10 minutes, 1/2 hour total, be prepared to talk about them in class).

For students who do not yet have their laptops and don't have another easy way to get to the videos, see the library before or after school, or during intervention.


Come prepared to talk about it.

Physics First Web Page

The Physics First Web page can be found at:
https://sites.google.com/site/halldalephysicsfirst/home

It contains links to most of the rubrics and tests students will need, though not all. The standards found there are the same ones students have on their "Achievement Tracker" that we keep in class.

The "Video Links" page includes many instructional videos that are useful for learning or reviewing physics concepts.

Physics First You Tube Channel

Thanks to one of our great students we now have an open You Tube channel for anyone who wants to post videos related to Physics First. The channel is PhysicsFirst and the password is Velocity2
Obviously, keep it appropriate and follow the school's guidelines and acceptable use policies!

First Rocket Video

To give parents a bit more of an idea of what we are working on at the moment -

http://www.youtube.com/PhysicsDale

Many thanks to our videographer!

Revised Dates and information on sharing your Rocket Experiment results.

So, we had some technical difficulties with our launches on Friday. Real science, as opposed to simply reading about science, is like that. Scientists constantly have to cope with equipment that breaks, data that contains errors, bad weather, etc. We'll retool the launchers and try again of course. Persistence is the key to success in science, as in anything. However, this will require some changes to our planned schedule.

So we'll move everything back a bit.

Your group's report on the variable they were studying is due September 20th/21st (edited) (whichever day we have class). We will use the standard Hall-Dale HS lab report rubric. You can find that HERE. Each member of the group will be assigned part of the rubric to cover. This is good practice for when you'll have to write your own.

Your first personal rocket will be launched on September 26th/27

Final launch day will be October 3/4, with reflections also due that day.

More information on the requirements for your personal rocket will be available after the Lab Report posters are finished.

September 8/9 Homework

We've just finished launching our first round of rocket experiments. If you have video, send me the link and I'll post it up. In the meantime, we will begin doing our first "Problem Solving". In Physics the Problem Solving standard refers to a certain way of approaching math problems using physics equations. You don't have to memorize equations, but you do need to know to use them.

We are going to start with some basic problems in physics next class. To get ready, please watch these two videos: (Many thanks to my AP physics students from last year).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zta8mXmZwmY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cc15vS_XEtM

Notice the key parts of beginning problem solving:

1 - What are you looking for?

2 - What do you know?

3 - What equation do you need to use?

4 - Solve. However, in Physics no number is "just a number". Instead, every number has a UNIT to go with it, because it represents something in real life. 44 miles is NOT the same as 44 feet. "2" could mean anything. "2 Seconds" means a short amount of time. "$2" is enough money to buy a coffee. Maybe.
Never write a number in Physics without a Unit.

Units, Units, Units!

Rocket Homework Sept 6/7 + More Rocket Dates

Homework for today is to complete the task set for you by your group. You might have been assigned a research question, building a water bottle rocket (you have a sheet on how to do this, or you can check out these directions: http://www.tclauset.org/21_BtlRockets/BTL.html ), or bring in materials your group needs. Don't let them down! You need to be prepared to do your experiment and launch your rockets next class - September 8/9, weather permitting.

After analyzing the data from your experiment, and those of others, you will build your own personal rocket. Your first launch will be September 15/16, weather and other factors permitting, and you will attempt a second launch of an improved design Sept. 22/24.

There will be several tasks that will allow you to demonstrate different course standards during this project. More on this next week. For now, focus on doing what your group needs and enjoying yourself.

First Homework Assignment - Rocket Ideas

Due September 6 (red day students) or 7 (white day students).

In addition to the Blog Form, please bring one idea, drawing, or plan for a new kind of Rocket, experiment with rockets, or rocket challenge. This should be in the form of a single page drawing with labels or notes that can be posted on the wall. From these ideas we will choose some of our rocket activities.

To earn a Work Ethic 4, include color, in depth discussion, supporting research, or multiple ideas.

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to the Physics First Blog for Hall-Dale HS! I hope that this will serve as a record of our achievements throughout the year, and as a communication tool for students, parents, and myself. Its my intent to post homework assignments, overviews of what we are doing in class, discussions of standards based grading, and more.

It is my goal that this be a "first stop" for information relating to class. I will keep it updated with current homework assignments every two days. We are currently transitioning to a new school information system - in the short term I will not be putting assignments on First Class.

Some course information:

Instructor: Truax McFarland
Contact Information:
622 6211 x 315 during the day
549 7079 nights and weekends (I don't mind - feel free to call me for help/clarification of assignments)
tmcfarland@halldale.org

Extra Help Times:
I am available 7:30to 7:50 am Monday through Thursday, and from 2:30 to 3:00 pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, in addition to the school's normal intervention period.

I invite you to post comments or questions, however we must follow school confidentiality rules, and avoid identifying student's pictures by name, as well as posting any personal information, or material not related to school. Thank you!

Materials Needed:
A calculator of some kind is desirable - scientific is preferred, but I have some to loan, and students have access to them on their computers, so this is not essential.

A place to write observations, data, and sketches. A spiral notebook is fine, as is a sketchbook or space in a three ring binder.



Next up - a homework assignment!

Truax McFarland