Momentum

The usual sequence is to set up a demonstration rig of one ruler and six marbles, followed by board directions, predictions, and then distribution of rulers and marbles. 

Kayla and Moki: one into five

 
[Board at end of class]

This term the order was inverted and modified. Rulers and marbles were passed out first without any explanation. Students are each given one ruler and nine marbles of a single color. Perhaps color mixes might have been more appropriate. Four into three benefits from marbles of different colors.

Trishelle and Trevor: one into five

Then the board diagrams were put up and the students were told to experiment.


Maileen: two into six



There was a number of different results for three marbles into five marbles. The class was polled, individual by individual, and the results tallied on the board. Results included one out, two out, three out, and nine out. Three out pulled the most votes at 14 and was adjudged the consensus answer. This provided space for explaining how science really works. 

With results tallied the focus turned to how the penultimate marble knows whether to stay or go.  Should the marble stay or should it go now? Cue The Clash. 

 

Time slipped away and 12:40 rolled in with no coverage of momentum. An abbreviated version of the notes above was covered in the closing minutes of the class. 


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