Momentum is not only a physical principle; it is a psychological phenomenon. Students learn how the "Big Mo" of the bandwagon effect contributes to the development of fads and manias, and how modern technology and mass media accelerate and intensify the effect. Students develop media literacy and critical thinking skills to analyze trends and determine the extent to which their decisions may be influenced by those who manipulate a few opinion leaders. Note: The literacy activities for the Mechanics unit are based on physical themes that have broad application to our experience in the world - concepts of rhythm, balance, spin, gravity, levity, inertia, momentum, friction, stress and tension.

Concepts

engineering, momentum, stem

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Additional Tags

bandwagon effect, buzz, mania, integrated teaching and learning program and laboratory, teachengineering, media literacy, bandwagon appeal

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Classroom Considerations

• Knovation Readability Score: 4 (1 low difficulty, 5 high difficulty)