Scholars build robotic arms that swing back and forth and use them to collect velocity and acceleration data. To analyze the results, pupils compare data to the equations for angular velocity and centripetal acceleration.

Concepts

acceleration, centripetal acceleration, robotics, legos, technology resources

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Invite an engineer to discuss centripetal acceleration

Classroom Considerations

• Learners should have some basic mathematics and physics knowledge, such as being able to use the equations for angular velocity and centripetal acceleration
• Activity requires a variety of materials; see materials list for more information

Pros

• Directions are clear and include pictures
• Provides a list of vocabulary terms with their definitions

Cons

• Without robotics kit and software, the activity cannot be performed as written

Common Core

7.NS.A.3 8.SP.A.1 HSN-Q.A.1 HSA-SSE.A.1.a HSS-ID.B.6.a