LEAFLET: Physics With Pizzazz! Part A

 

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 1^st 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 1^st 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