In Physics, we use algebra and calculus to explore the laws that rule the natural universe. Through hands-on labs and interesting problem sets we have studied kinematics, projectile motion, dynamics, energy, momentum, circular motion, and gravity. In a room with flying pigs and marbles launched through hoops, there is never a dull moment.
In our dynamics unit, students got to design their own labs to see how the principles we learned could be applied. My group (Gustavo and Phia) worked to determine how increasing the tension up the ramp on a stationary mass on the ramp would affect the mass’ critical angle. For an object on an inclined plane, the critical angle is the angle at which the mass begins to move down the ramp. As seen in our report, we found a linear relationship between tension and critical angle. This means that as the tension increased on the mass on the ramp, the angle required for the mass to move down the ramp also increased. This confirmed what we had learned in class, which was that the force due to gravity down the ramp is equal to mass*g*sin(angle).
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Throughout the year, each student gets to present a mini-poster on a scientist or a current event in science. This assignment helps us to see what is going on now in the world of outside of Mass Academy.
For my poster, I presented on Dr. Purnima Devi Barman. She is a wildlife biologist from India who has dedicated her career to saving the greater adjutant stork. To do this, Dr. Barman formed Hargila Army. This is a group of over 10,000 women in India who work to preserve the habitat and reputation of the stork. Together, they have significantly increased the number of greater adjutant nesting sites in India. Take a look at my mini-poster to learn more about this inspiring woman in STEM!
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