Projectile Motion Investigation
Overview
This is a virtual exploration into how launch angle affects the distance a projectile will travel. It utilizes an html5 PhET simulation: Projectile Motion.
Directions
- This is used as an exploration for physics class when investigating projectile motion. The goal is that students understand the relationship between the launch angle of a projectile and the distance with which the projectile travels.
- It utilizes the html5 PhET simulation: Projectile Motion. Students will be using the Lab tab the entire time. We use this in place of a physical exploration, because it does a nice job of generating data and providing consistent visuals for all students.
- Make sure to have a follow-up conversation with all students either in small or large-group (or a digital forum) to ensure that they can explain the relationships between the different variables they investigated (to provide some individual accountability).
Today we will look at the relationship that launch angle plays with projectile motion. In this experiment, we will change the angle of a cannon and see how it affects the distance a cannonball will travel.
Directions:
1. Open the Projectile Investigation lab handout by clicking here.
2. Once you've opened it, you will go to a PhET simulation by clicking here. You then need to click on the Lab option on the far right.
3. You will then start at STEP 2 of the document, following the remainder of the directions as you complete the lab.
4. When you are finished, be prepared to share your findings with another person in class and then with the whole-class in a large group discussion.
Exit Ticket
Once you finish, complete the exit ticket by clicking here.