Our Physics class at Mass Academy is taught by Mrs Chase, and very closely follows the AP Physics Mechanics curriculum. In this class we learn about topics such as kinematics, momentum, forces, and rotational motion though traditional slideshow lessons, but we also apply the skills we learned in various lab experiments. Through hands-on group activities and challenge problems we are able to work with each other to deepen our understanding about the topics. This class has taught me how physics applies in our everyday lives while also practicing my creativity and critical thinking skills.
The Dynamics Lab was a unique and challenging assignment because we were responsible for designing our own investigation related to the Dynamics unit, something I had never done at my sending school. We worked together in groups to conduct the experiment, while each student independently wrote a one-page lab report. Our group explored the question: Does the relationship between force, acceleration, and mass of a cart pulled by a modified Atwood’s machine obey Newton’s Second Law when an additional opposing force is introduced? An Atwood’s machine is a pulley system with a mass hanging from one end, while a motion cart is attached to the other. To introduce an opposing force, we used a fan attached to the cart to resist its forward motion as the mass fell. Overall, this lab was an engaging and rewarding experience.
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As part of our Kinematics unit, we worked on the Traffic Light Problem of the Week (POW). Since this was one of our earlier assignments we were placed into random groups, encouraging us to meet and work with new classmates. The question of the project was: How long should a traffic light remain yellow, and what factors influence this decision? Our objective was to develop a mathematical model that determined the optimal duration of a yellow light. The final product was a five-page written report that contained our process, final model, list of defined variables, stated assumptions, and an analysis of additional factors that could impact the model. Overall, this project was an interesting way to apply kinematics concepts to a real-world engineering problem.
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