Mathematics Active Learning

This worksheet contains series of questions which involve the concepts involved with electrostatics. The second page contains a series of multiple choice questions which develop a deep understanding of the operation of an electroscope.

Includes a variety of projectile motion problems, including projectiles at an angle. Handout includes a chart of horizontal and vertical motion for each problem, with time being the only variable common to both. Also included is a chart that may be made into an overhead or computer projection for full class discussion.

Given graphs of velocity vs time, students calculate the acceleration of an object at a given point or over a given time interval. Graphs are mostly linear but one curve is included.

When a question gives a position-time graph students sketch the shape of the velocity-time, and acceleration-time graphs associated with that motion. When a question gives a velocity-time graph students sketch the shape of the position-time, and acceleration-time graphs associated with that motion.

This consists of a series of questions that reinforce concepts involved with the physics of projectile motion. It can be used as a review, group activity or teacher-led discussion.

Objective: To measure the force vectors acting at a point (the paperclip) in a system in equilibrium, and determine the net (resultant) force. Materials:1 metal rod with 1 ring stand and 1 connecting clampApprox. one meter of string2 spring scales Weight set and 50 g weight hangerLarge paper clipProtractor

This is a crossword puzzle comprised of fill-in-the-blank clues which summarize important straight line motion concepts, including basic vectors, displacement, distance travelled, speed, velocity, acceleration

Students use hot wheel cars and a ramp with track to demonstrate the quadratic nature of gravitational acceleration. This works best with heavier Hot Wheels cars.

Combination note and practice sheet involving field lines around point charges and parallel plates. Includes a single point charge, opposite charges, like charges and combinations thereof.

Using an electroscope, plastic strips, fur, flannel and paper punch circles, students are led through an exploration of charging by induction, charging by conduction and the effects of charges near insulators.

Using a string, motion carts, masses and hangers, and a pulley students A: Determine the relationship between mass and acceleration for a constant force B: Determine the relationship between force and acceleration for a constant mass

Students find the displacement from a velocity-time graph by finding the area under the graph. Includes estimating under a curve and exact calculations under line segments.

Given graphs of position vs time, students sketch velocity vs time and acceleration vs time for the same motion. Then scenarios are given in writing for which students sketch the position vs time graphs and the velocity vs time graph.

Students use resisters, a multimeter and wires to measure the effective resistance of combinations of resistors wired in series, parallel and series-parallel. As a result they formulate some of the rules or ‘rules of thumb’ for predicting effective resistance .

Student groups are challenged to build a rubber band-powered vehicle from certain required materials, which will travel the greatest horizontal distance.  The vehicles can only be made with the following materials: 1. popsicle sticks 2. rubber bands (no size limit) 3. standard #2 wooden hex-shaped pencils 4. paper clips (#1 Gem clips) 5. meter of string 6. spools not to exceed 5.08 cm x 5.08 cm x 5.08 cm (2” x 2” x 2”) 7. any type of glue Included are a handout for the activity, a grading rubr

Students calculate the work, power and horsepower they do in climbing stairs. Then they do additional calculations to compare the work they did to each other and the power obtained from a utility company.

Given a complex circuit of resisters, with some given information, students fill in a chart for voltage, current and resistance across every resister in the circuit plus total values for each.

Students answer questions regarding position time graphs and how they relate to actual motion. Then they sketch graphs from descriptions of motion. This can be used as a teacher-led demonstration, group activity or homework assignment.

Students use a graphing calculator to explore simulations of constructive and destructive interference, amplitude modulation and beats.

Several years ago I traveled to Peru and was immediately intrigued by the trapezoid windows I saw. Having taught both Geometry and Earth Science, I took numerous pictures and eventually put this activity together. Students investigate dimensional stability of trapezoids vs rectangles in the context of windows and doors in Inca structures.