Text Box: Subject(s): Physics   Grade/Level: 9-12   Time Required: 1 class period prior to visit for preparation 1 hour at Valley Worlds of Fun for this activity 1 hour in the resource room or your classroom for completion of worksheet and discussion   WV State Standards: SC.8.1.1 realize that scientists formulate and test their explanations of nature using observation, experiments and theoretical models. SC.8.2.1 cooperate and collaborate to ask questions, find answers, solve problems, conduct investigations to further an appreciation of scientific discovery. SC.8.2.2 formulate conclusions through close observations, logical reasoning, objectivity, perseverance and integrity in data collection. SC.8.2.3 apply skepticism, careful methods, logical reasoning and creativity in investigating the observable universe. SC.8.2.4 use a variety of materials and scientific instruments to conduct explorations, investigations and experiments of the natural world (e.g., barometer, anemometer, microscope, computer). SC.8.2.5 demonstrate safe techniques for handling, manipulating and caring for science materials, equipment, natural specimens and living organisms. SC.8.2.6 utilize experimentation to demonstrate scientific processes and thinking skills (e.g., formulating questions, predicting, forming hypotheses, quantifying, identifying dependent and independent variables). SC.8.2.7 construct and use charts, graphs and tables to organize, display, interpret, analyze and explain data. SC.8.2.8 use appropriate technology solutions to gather, graph and interpret data and analyze information. SC.8.2.9 use inferential reasoning to make logical conclusions from collected data. SC.8.4.22 graph and interpret the relationships (e.g., distance versus time, speed versus time, acceleration versus time). SC.8.4.23 describe Newton’s Laws of Motion; SC.8.4.24 illustrate quantitatively mechanical advantage of simple machine   Objective(s): Students will perform an experiment at Valley Worlds of Fun that shows how mass of the sphere will affect the distance they roll when given an equal push.   Procedure:   Background Information: · Newton's first law of motion states that "An object at rest tends to stay at rest and an object in motion tends to stay in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force." Objects "tend to keep on doing what they're doing." In fact, it is the natural tendency of objects to resist changes in their state of motion. This tendency to resist changes in their state of motion is described as inertia. · Inertia = the resistance an object has to a change in its state of motion. · All objects have this tendency - they have inertia. But do some objects have more of a tendency to resist changes than others? Absolutely yes! The tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion is dependent upon mass. Inertia is that quantity which is solely dependent upon mass. The more mass which an object has, the more inertia it has - the more tendency it has to resist changes in its state of motion. · Resource: The Physics Classroom http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/phys/Class/newtlaws/u2l1b.html Pre-trip activity: In this activity the learners will compare the direction and distance traveled by spheres with differing masses when each is given an equal push to begin to roll.  This activity is one which can be used to help the learners begin to construct their understanding of the laws of force and motion (force = mass x acceleration). 1. Provide two spheres that are of differing masses and sizes (volume) for each group.  Be sure each group has spheres with a difference in mass of at least 10 grams. 2. Designate a sphere rolling area where the students can freely roll the spheres without obstruction.  Instruct the students that no sphere will be shot through the air, that they are to roll the spheres, not flick them. 3. Students align their spheres against the front side of one of the blocks of wood.  Quickly slide the second block of wood into the back of the first block.  This will insure that both spheres received the same force. 4. After a time of exploration, discuss what the students observed about their set of spheres.  Discuss the shape of the spheres, the differences in the mass of the spheres, and the motion and direction in which they move. Ask students if the amount of push or force they use to push the spheres makes any difference on the direction or distance they travel.   Valley Worlds of Fun activity: · Students will use the Spheres on a Roll worksheet. · Students will be designing and conducting an investigation with spheres of various masses (bowling balls). · They must describe how each sphere will be lined up on a starting point on the floor. · Explain how they will be giving the spheres a push and then measuring and recording the distance traveled. · Allow time for each group to test various spheres, while the others watch. · Students will complete the discussion questions at the end of the worksheet   Instructional Materials: · 2 spheres that are of differing mass (marble, rubber ball, Styrofoam ball, golf ball, ping-pong ball) · Tape measures · Masking tape · Roll starters (two blocks of wood approx. 2” x 4” x 5”) · (Valley Worlds of Fun activity) · Bowling balls of various mass   Differentiated Instruction: · Now that you know that spheres of different masses travel differently, what do you know about some of the spheres that are used in sports?  What would happen if you used a softball to play soccer? ….a soccer ball to pay golf?  Bring in a variety of different spheres to test. · To help clarify the concept that mass is the determining factor in the distance the sphere will travel and not size (volume), try to find a set of spheres that has one which is smaller in size but larger in mass compared to the second one that will be larger in size, but smaller in mass.   Author's Comments: Be mindful of students with health problems.  The exercise may be an issue for those who have breathing problems.   Assessment/Evaluation: · Completion of the  Spheres on a Roll worksheet. · Students will be able to use the information learned in the pre-trip activity to design an investigation to show force = mass x acceleration using the bowling alley at Valley Worlds of Fun.