Gain Momentum
Subject: Science
Grades: 9-14
Ages: 12-16
Lesson Objective
The laws of motion, as formulated by Sir Isaac Newton, are essential to the study of physics. By creating a concept map about momentum, students make connections between ideas and reinforce understanding.
Teacher Instructions
- Gather a variety of balls (baseball, tennis, ping pong, etc.). These will be used to demonstrate momentum, and just as important, changes in momentum.
- Divide students into pairs and instruct them to bounce each ball on two different surfaces. They should record the drop height and subsequent rebound height using a meter stick.
- Tell students about momentum and connect information to the phenomena they observed during their activity.
- Encourage groups of students to share notes and record information in an Inspiration® diagram. Circulate among the students to check for understanding.
- Instruct groups to create a concept map that reflects their understanding of momentum.
Assessment
- Evaluate each Inspiration diagram to check for accurate understanding of momentum.
- Assess student group cooperation and teamwork skills as they conduct the momentum activities and build their Inspiration diagrams.
Lesson Adaptations
- Have students solve problems that involve elastic and inelastic collisions by using the principles of conservation of momentum and energy.
- For younger students, after demonstrating momentum, discuss the implications of momentum in safety. For example you could study driving, running or throwing.
