Using a series of pendulum models which are set up a fixed (constant) distance from a straight wall...explore and discover the connection, or lack thereof, between string length as it related to time it takes to sweep one full oscillation back and forth.
Also we shall consider the connection between the central angle which is captured by the swinging pendulum through one full oscillation and consider how, or if, it is affected by the changing of the string length in the various models.
Continuing our investigation by varying the weights on each of the various models, we ask ourselves the following questions: Does it affect the time required to do one oscillation? Does it affect the central angle captured in one oscillation? Does it affect anything else you might observe?
This exploration and documentation should include the following:
Brainstorm and Explore various Pendulum Models
Document Ideas for Future Consideration
Experiment with Ideas Using Your Group's Model
Discuss Outcomes and Observations
Create Preliminary Data Analysis Sheet
Refine Thoughts About Expectations and Outcomes
Cooperatively Form Your Group's Hypothesis Statements
Create A Formal Presentation for Peer Review
Consider Peer Findings and Feedback
Create Personal Web Portfolio Entry
...Then Brainstorm Together in Class Webpage Discussion Post
A gallery walk of each groups pendulum and preliminary data should be done followed by a group discussion about the various findings and the implication of such. After model creation and group analysis, construct a presentation of your findings for your class and teacher which shall include a PowerPoint presentation of no less that 5 slides and no more than 15. Your presentation should address all factors considered and how looking at the other pendulum models may have affected your interpretation of your observations.
All PowerPoint presentations should be of professional and conservative business or scientific format. These shall then be posted on an ongoing web based class project site and each persons personal web portfolio for display on the internet. All pages and portfolios shall conform to internet safety standards and acceptable language and content policies.
A formal peer review shall be done as a discussion post on the class webpage and shall be completed appropriate to said venue with regard to commentary, language and content. This review/reflection is to be a graded activity of self and peer assessment skills.