DID YOU
KNOW THAT
YOU CAN
LEARN PHYSICS
THROUGH SHOWMANSHIP?
Start to learn about some
basic science involved in doing
demonstrations that are
fun –
Physics With Pizzazz!
Part A
We look at the following questions:
·
How
do I find the center of mass?
·
What
is the 1st law of motion about, known as inertia?!
http://sportscience-kathy.blogspot.com
GATEWAY
TO SCIENCE:
SPORTS
AND GAMES
Quincy,
Mass.
Page 2
INTRODUCTION
Do you like to
perform for people?
Try this! A little showmanship goes a long way in this
approach that leads people to physics in a fun way. Here’s
a script to get you started.
YOU: THIS IS PHYSICS WITH PIZZAZZ! Today we’ve got some games – a few challenges
– for you! Well, you may say, all I see
are everyday objects. You are
right. All it takes is everyday objects
to help you understand physics. Let’s
go!
You Need:
broom, spoon, pen, etc.
1st Challenge, can I balance this broom in its center
with my finger? Ask: Who will show me the center of the
broom? (Volunteer points to center.) Try to balance it – It’ll fall!
Explanation: What I need to do now is find the CENTER OF
MASS. What is MASS? Well, I think “stuff” is a good word for
MASS. Everything is made of some kind of
stuff. Everything has MASS, whatever
material it’s made of. This broom has more MASS at the brush end.
Page 3
Find the place a
little closer to that end where you can
balance it with your finger. (Let the
volunteer do it.)
This is the CENTER
OF MASS. It’s also called the CENTER OF
BALANCE or the CENTER OF GRAVITY.
Do the same with
the spoon, etc.
Next, You Need: a chair
with arms
YOU: Now,
let’s find the CENTER OF MASS in something else – You! I
need a volunteer to come and
sit in this chair. (The person is seated, arms on the armrests
and feet next to each other on the floor.)
Press your finger on their forehead, and say, “Stand up.” (They
will try to but cannot.)
Explanation: While sitting, our CENTER OF MASS is directly
above our seat (demonstrate). To stand
up, we need to move our head forward first, and thus move forward and change our CENTER OF MASS.
Page 4
2nd Challenge,
You Need: 8x11
paper and e.g., an empty mug, measuring cup, toy car, tape dispenser, bottle of
vitamins
YOU: Notice these objects on the table resting on
a piece of paper. (Name them.)
I will pull out
this paper, and nothing will fall down.
Do you think I can?
(replies of Yes and No!)
(Pull it out >>>
Everything stays in place; NOTE: you may need to practice doing this.)
Explanation: INERTIA (in-er-sha)
– there’s a big word! – is the tendency
of an object at rest to stay at rest.
Those objects are resting, and they want to stay this way!
This is
Newton’s 1st law of motion.
(Explaining the
technique), Here’s how you do it: Pull
the paper out at a slightly downward angle, and do it quickly and smartly!
(Your audience
will be impressed. Let more
volunteers try it.)
Challenges
like these … are
just one of endless ways to gain an understanding of physics and geometry.I hope this leaflet introduces you to
seeing things you never saw before – or wondered about but just didn't know where
to start.
Physics
and geometry come into play in every
activity and event going on around us.
Knowing
how things work can add to your performance and to your fun. So give it a try. How?
•
Start
with the information here
•
You may
not understand everything in it right away, but for now,
use what you do understand
•
Do
an online search of your own
•
See what
books or videos
your library has
•
Share
them with friends, your class, your team, your scout troop
•
Read
my blog and tell others:
sportscience-kathy.blogspot.com
Thank you!
Kathy Hogan