Working conditions in space

Here on Earth, we often don't even think about Newton's 3rd Law of Motion - it's just the way things are. If we turn a wrench one way, we don't worry about the effects of that on ourselves. However, in space there is virtually no gravity and Newton's 3rd law can be a VERY big deal. 

Why might Newton's 3rd law be something that we really need to consider?
What could go wrong if we don't take time to think about its effects?
How does it make working harder?
Are there any ways that it makes working easier?

Watch the video below, for an idea of how all of this comes together.  (Only press the view button - you can't download it).
http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/phy03.sci.phys.mfw.asrnt/

Again make this a discussion, work off of each other's comments. :-) Don't forget your name and class period!

A world without friction....

In class we have been learning about friction. In the "Shoe Lab" you were asked how friction can be helpful and how it can be harmful (detrimental). Now let's take it a step further. Think about what it really means for there to be friction and answer the questions below - let's have another discussion. 

What would our world be like (how would it be different) if there were NO friction? Would anything be the same? How would we get around? How would we build things? What would it be similar to? Explain what you think our world would be like. 

Make this into a discussion. Read all of the comments prior to making your comment. Add to comments, expand on points made, disagree (respectfully) and build up an idea, as a set of Physics 1 classes, of what our world would be like. Feel free to pose new questions as they come up. If you post the same thing as someone else you will not get credit for your post. Make sure you include your name and class period in your post. Enjoy!!

Inverse and Direct Relationships

Inverse and direct relationships can be difficult to understand. It is always easier to grasp a concept if you can relate it to something that is significant to your own life. In your Newton's 2nd Law activity with the skateboard you needed to come up with a real life example of a direct and inverse relationship. Please post your examples as comments so that everyone can see and benefit from them. An example may only be posted once - no repeats! Also, let's make this a bit of a discussion. If you like an example or agree with it, let the person know how it helped you. If you aren't sure that an example is accurate/correct, politely and respectfully voice that for the benefit of the class. Always remember to identify yourself (don't use your full last name!) and class period. When responding to a person's comment, make sure you acknowledge the person in your own comment.

Newton's 1st Law

At this point in the unit you have seen multiple demos and examples of Newton's First Law. What I would like you to do is have a discussion about how Newton's First Law is relevant to your life - where do you see it in action? Be creative. You may NOT use any of the examples that we have used in class or that have been on worksheets. Also, be sure to read your classmates comments, repeated ideas will not be counted for credit - in other words only the first person to state an idea gets the points for it.

How Fast Can a Fastball be Thrown?

In my web searching today, I came across the article that I have linked to below. Read through the article and then read the rest of the blog.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/outdoors/sports/physics/how-the-105-mph-fastball-tests-the-limits-of-the-human-body

Surprising information isn't it?! There are a few things in the article I want to discuss. First of all, why can't people throw much faster than 100mph? What impact does throwing extreme fastballs have on the body? How does faster pitching impact batting? Do you think the attempts to be the fastest pitcher in baseball are really worth it? Do the benefits or notoriety outweigh the consequences on the body? And of course, how does this article relate to our motion unit? Post your comments in the comment area and please make sure you say which class you are in.

Motion - what did you learn?

The motion unit has indeed come to an end - homework has been done, labs finished and tests taken. That being considered take a look at the word wall below...

In the comment section, explain your understanding of the motion unit based on this word wall. What do these terms now mean to you? How do they relate to each other? What is the connection among all of them (don't just say motion...)? Please include what class period you are in.

Welcome!

Hi all! Welcome to Mrs. Statema's Physics 1 class. I am looking forward to learning with all of you this year and think that this blog with be a great way for us to communicate outside of class. I will be using this blog to bring up current events that relate to what we are learning in class and will expect you to comment on some of them (we will discuss how this works in class). We will use this to share Physics in the News information as well.

Here is a little bit of information about me. I grew up in Park Ridge and graduated from Maine South. I went to Hope College in Holland, Michigan and graduated with a degree in Physics Education. This is my fourth year teaching Physics at Maine South and I love my job. My husband and I live in the city and love trying new restaurants. When I have free time I enjoy making jewelry, reading, scrapbooking, watching movies and spending time with friends and family - unfortunately between teaching and graduate school free time is few and far between. I am currently working on my masters in Science Education, so I have not forgotten what it is like to be a student. :-)

Please find your class post on this blog and leave a comment BY MONDAY that shares some information about yourself (interests, talents, activities/sports involved in, jobs, family, etc), this way we can all learn about each other throughout the class. To leave a comment click on "comments" at the bottom of each post. Remember to only use your first name and last initial. Also please include what about physics interests you the most. (If you aren't sure what physics is check out the "glog" below.)
**Quick note** You can always access blog posts that are relevant to your class by click on your class label in the upper right portion of the screen under "labels"