Periodic Motion - The Pendulum

We know pendulums were used in ancient Egypt and Rome, but it is thought they were also used pre-recorded history. Scholars build their own simple pendulums in the sixth lesson of an 11-part series. Then, through an experiment varying...

Students construct their own pendulum. In this physics lesson, students design an experiment to find the factors affecting its period. They formulate a conclusion based on experimental data.

Students identify the variables involved in the motion of a pendulum. In groups, they research how each different variable is related to the energy the pendulum produces. They share their results with the class and compare them with...

Students model damped motion.  For this modeling damped motion lesson, students collect data on an oscillating spring with a mass hanger.  Students create a scatter plot of their data and find a sinusoidal function to fit the data. ...

Students calculate the moment of inertia of a disc. In this physics lesson, students differentiate the two methods used in finding the inertia. They construct their own pendulum for the lab.

Although this was written to accompany a specific textbook, the information can illustrate wave motion for any advanced level physics course. The slides are simple, use plain but colorful fonts, and include diagrams and pictures to...

Students experiment to determine the period of a pendulum. In this periodic motion lesson, students use different pendulums to determine their periods. They use various amplitudes to determine its effects on the period.

Pendulums are simple, yet engaging demonstrations of harmonic motion. Dr. Carlson uses a very large example of a pendulum: a bowling ball on a string hanging from the ceiling! Learn from Dr. Carlson how you can teach about the strength...

Learners explore the concept of periodic motion in relation to its function in a Grandfather type clock. In this periodic motion lesson plan, students use problem-solving skills and understanding of periodic motion to participate in a...

Ninth graders explore physics with springs and strings. In this force and motion lesson, 9th graders rotate through four stations exploring how various springs stretch and bounce, and how mass and length affect a pendulum's swing. They...