Resources: Class presentation, handout and Newton's cradle (optional).
Handout: Discuss the historical aspects of physics and the role of women in science. Order energy changes in a roller coaster and discuss dissipated energy. Explain the energy changes in a pendulum swing. Apply ideas about energy dissipation to a sankey diagram. Research friction and use of ball bearings in machinery.
After watching the opening video, ask the students to write 1 sentence to explain the outcome of the experiment. Frame the discussion to enable them to suggest the transfer of energy in 3 forms.
Describe the energy graph. The PhET Pendulum Lab enables students to understand the energy transfer and conservation of energy in a closed system. By changing the variables of mass, length, gravity and friction, they can set the pendulum to swing and observe the results of energy transfer on the graph. Ask the students to set 3 to 5 simulations, dependent on ability. They are to record the variables that they set - screenshots may be helpful here. Once they have played the simulation, they must record their findings. Higher ability students should analyse why they have observed differing results. All students should refer to the correct terms for the types of energy and the other variables in their discussion and notes. Research the different applications of bearings – give one example and describe why a bearing has to be used to decrease the friction. Identify 1 other energy system to those in the lesson. There are times that friction is essential - like walking or cycling on a bicycle. Give another example of friction being part of a positive process. Use the handout to reinforce learning from the entire lesson.
Career Film: This is Francis Schofield. Francis works as a Graduate Chemist for National Nuclear Laboratory.
Expert Film: This is Francis Schofield. Francis works as a Graduate Chemist for National Nuclear Laboratory and talks about the conservation of energy.
Ask the students to complete 3 to 5 simulations and record the variables that they set - screenshots may be helpful here. Once they have played the simulation, ask the students to record their findings. Encourage them to use the correct terms for the types of energy and the other variables in their discussion and notes.
Challenge Task: Remind the students that they have used a simple model for the swinging pendulum. In a Newton's Cradle, the masses collide with each other. How does this affect the model? Research what other energy transfers need to be considered.
Use the summative quiz to assess students' learning. Imagine you could take the Newton's Cradle into space. How would the movement and energy transfers be different?