AP Physics: Friction

Students did a lab to determine which variables impact the magnitude of the force of friction. This lab provided some nice opportunities to talk about uncertainty and how big a difference is big enough to matter. Talking about the uncertainty also lead nicely into the fact that the model of friction on our equation sheet is actually pretty limited.

Earth Science: Moon Phases

Students worked through a simple lab using a lamp, softball, and golf ball to model the Moon’s revolution around Earth and predict what phase of the moon would be visible at various positions. Students were very successful at connecting how much of the lit portion of the golf ball was towards the softball to what phase of the Moon would be visible from Earth.