Circular Motion Lesson Plans

Students are introduced to the concept of circular motion. In groups, they participate in experiments to discover the law of inertia. They describe how forces act on objects during a circular motion. To end the lesson, they use these two concepts to predict the path of an object.

Students calculate distance, velocity, acceleration and time on their fantasy trip to the black hold. They apply Newton's Laws of Motion and calculate circular motion. They discuss any questions that may arise.

Students explore uniform circular motion, and the relation of its frequency of N revolutions/sec with the peripheral velocity v and with the rotation period T, and the "centripetal acceleration" of an object.

Students participate in a teacher lead demonstration of centripetal acceleration and circular motion. They make a prediction about the direction a rubber stopper will travel compared to the orientation of the string that accelerates it around the teacher's head.

Students explore Newton's three laws, gravity, momentum, trajectory, projectiles, circular motion, and friction by observing and breaking down skateboard tricks. They view short video clips of Tony Hawk and explain the physics concepts behind each trick.

Students investigate circular motion and the relation between force and velocity. In this circular motion lesson plan, students build an apparatus to whirl a stopper in circular motion around a tube. They suspend washers with measured masses at the bottom and vary the number of washers. They collect data and analyze their results to see the relationship between force and velocity with circular motion.

Students work in groups analyzing different scenarios to explain the critical issue of frame of reference. They create and present a short skit, based on information from their research, that describes a trip to a nearby solar system.

Students construct a K'nex project that includes motion. They calculate the rotational speed and period of the oscillator. They make predictions.

Students explore uniform circular motion, and the relation of its frequency of N revolutions/sec with the peripheral velocity v and with the rotation period T. They examine how uniform circular motion is a type of accelerated motion.

Students create a quilt with a circular motion in the design. After watching a demonstration, they discuss the techniques used. They use different types of fabrics while practicing the proper needle turn. They share their quilts with the class to end the lesson.