Technology in Action
Integrating Technology

Title:  Conservation of Momentum
Developed by Wes Evans

Content Area: Physics

Grade Level:  11^th – 12^th

Materials/Resources (Including Software): CBL graphing calculator, two carts, track with rubber bumper, track without rubber bumper, motion detector, books, Conservation of Momentum Procedures sheet, Conservation of Momentum Data Sheet

Technology Focus:

Skills Included in Lesson

Timeline: one to two 50 minute class periods

TEKS:
Subject Area - §112.47.1(A), §112.47.2(A, B, C, D, E, F), §112.47.3(B), §112.47.4(A, B, C, D, E), §112.47.5(A, B, C, D)
Technology Applications - N/A

Objectives:  
1.     The students will test and explore the Law of Conservation of Momentum.
2.     The students will use available technology (CBL) to graph lab results.
3.     The students will practice safe lab procedures in the physics lab.

Procedures:
1.     Discuss the Law of Conservation of Momentum with the class.
2.     Hand out all equipment, the Conservation of Momentum Procedures sheet and the Conservation of Momentum Data Sheet to the students.
3.     Follow the Conservation of Momentum Procedures sheet as written.

Assessment:
Completed Data Sheet
Completed Procedures sheet
Teacher observation

Modifications:  
Work in pairs

Extensions:
Have students create an Excel spreadsheet of the data and create a chart expressing that data
Run additional trials with carts of varying shapes and sizes

Additional Resources/Websites:
The Physics Classroom - Momentum and It's Conservation -- http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/momentum/momtoc.html
Science World - Conservation of Momentum -- http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/physics/ConservationofMomentum.html
Edmore Online Physics Tutor - Laws of Motion -- http://edumore.netfirms.com/m4.htm
 

Midway Instructional Technology Specialists
12/21/07