Lesson Plan | Active Methodology | Simple Harmonic Motion: Equation of Motion

Premises: This Active Lesson Plan assumes: a 100-minute class duration, prior student study both with the Book and the beginning of Project development, and that only one activity (among the three suggested) will be chosen to be carried out during the class, as each activity is designed to take up a large part of the available time.

Objective

Duration: (5 minutes)

This segment of the lesson plan is essential for laying the groundwork for students to grasp and apply concepts related to simple harmonic motion. By clearly defining the objectives, students can concentrate on the key skills that will be developed and assessed throughout the class. This alignment helps ensure that all participants are prepared for the upcoming hands-on activities and discussions.

Objective Utama:

1. Formulate a simple harmonic motion equation, outlining the steps involved in determining the motion equation.

2. Identify and analyze whether an object is experiencing simple harmonic motion, utilizing both mathematical and physical criteria.

Objective Tambahan:

1. Enhance analytical skills in physics by utilizing mathematical concepts to solve physical challenges.
2. Foster scientific communication skills through discussions of findings and methodologies with classmates.

Introduction

Duration: (20 minutes)

The goal of the introduction is to engage students with the content through challenging scenarios that spark reflection on prior learning and highlight the significance of simple harmonic motion in everyday life. This initial phase is critical in activating students' existing knowledge and contextualizing the relevance of the concepts to be explored, making learning more meaningful and applicable.

Problem-Based Situation

1. A simple pendulum is released from a small height. How can you predict the pendulum's behavior over time using the principles of simple harmonic motion?

2. A spring is hanging vertically with a mass attached. When pulled down and released, the object begins to oscillate. What variables are needed to describe this motion, and how do they affect oscillation?

Contextualization

Simple harmonic motion is a phenomenon that occurs frequently in nature and in various technological applications, from pendulum clocks to car suspension systems. Grasping this type of motion not only deepens one's understanding of physical principles but also enhances the capacity to innovate and tackle real-world problems. Moreover, studying this topic allows students to understand how physical concepts translate into real-life scenarios, such as in bridge engineering and musical acoustics, where vibrations are fundamental.

Development

Duration: (75 - 85 minutes)

The development phase of the lesson plan is designed to provide students with a hands-on and interactive experience to apply the theoretical concepts explored about simple harmonic motion. Through engaging and contextualized activities, this aspect of the plan aims to reinforce learning through experimentation and analysis, allowing students to visualize and physically interact with the principles of simple harmonic motion. These activities also encourage teamwork and analytical skills, which are vital for deeper comprehension of physics.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended that only one of the suggested activities be carried out

Activity 1 - Spectacular Oscillation

> Duration: (65 minutes)

- Objective: Use knowledge of simple harmonic motion to infer physical properties through hands-on experimentation.

- Description: In this activity, students will be tasked with constructing and analyzing a simple pendulum to understand the equation of simple harmonic motion. The class will be divided into groups of up to 5 members, each constructing their own pendulum using a string and a weight. They will measure the oscillation time at various string lengths and weights, recording their findings for subsequent analysis.

- Instructions:

• Separate the class into groups of up to 5 students.

• Provide the necessary materials: strings, different weights, stopwatches.

• Instruct students to set up the pendulum by attaching the string to a support and tying the weight to the opposite end.

• Have each group measure the pendulum's oscillation period for 5 different string lengths, documenting their data.

• Students should use the pendulum period formula to calculate the gravitational constant and compare it to the theoretical value.

Activity 2 - Magic Spring

> Duration: (60 minutes)

- Objective: Explore how different masses impact the characteristics of simple harmonic motion in a spring.

- Description: In this activity, students will investigate simple harmonic motion by utilizing a spring suspended vertically with a weight at the end. Each group will change the mass and measure the frequency and amplitude of the oscillation, compiling a report on the connection between mass, frequency, and amplitude.

- Instructions:

• Organize students into groups of up to 5.

• Provide each group with a spring, a set of weights, and a timing device.

• Guide students to attach an initial weight to the spring and allow it to oscillate freely after being stretched.

• Instruct groups to document the frequency and amplitude of oscillation for each weight used.

• Students should graph the data and analyze how the mass influences the frequency and amplitude of the oscillations.

Activity 3 - The Dance of Pendulums

> Duration: (70 minutes)

- Objective: Understand how the length of a pendulum impacts its oscillation period and delve into the concepts of phase and synchronization within simple harmonic motion.

- Description: In this engaging activity, students will examine how varying lengths of pendulums affect their oscillation period. They will create multiple pendulums and hold a 'pendulum concert', observing the synchronicity and phases of the oscillations while relating them to the theory of simple harmonic motion.

- Instructions:

• Divide the students into groups of up to 5.

• Distribute strings of different lengths and small masses as weights.

• Ask groups to assemble pendulums with each string length and hang them side by side.

• Instruct students to start all the pendulums simultaneously and observe the differences in oscillation.

• Students should record the oscillation periods and discuss how string length affects the motion.

Feedback

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The goal of this phase of the lesson plan is to provide students with an opportunity to reflect on their practical and theoretical learning, solidifying the knowledge gained through group discussion. This feedback session is essential for students to articulate what they've learned, pinpoint gaps in their understanding, and critically and analytically apply their knowledge. By sharing their experiences and results, students also develop communication skills and learn to appreciate different approaches and solutions to the same physical problem.

Group Discussion

Kick off the group discussion with a quick recap of the experiments carried out. Ask students how they applied the theory of simple harmonic motion in practice and which observations they found most intriguing or unexpected. Encourage them to share unique insights or challenges they encountered during the activities. Inquire how the equations of simple harmonic motion assisted in predicting and understanding the behaviours noted during the experiments.

Key Questions

1. How does the theory of simple harmonic motion connect to the behaviour of the pendulums and springs you tested?

2. What factors did you identify that significantly affect the oscillation of the systems you constructed?

3. How did you utilize the equations to calculate practical outcomes, such as the gravitational constant or the frequency of the oscillations?

Conclusion

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The goal of this phase of the lesson plan is to consolidate learning, reiterating the key concepts and practical experiences that students have encountered. This synthesis helps solidify the knowledge acquired and demonstrates how to integrate theory and practice. Additionally, by highlighting the significance of simple harmonic motion in practical applications, we inspire students to view physics as a dynamic science that is part of everyday life.

Summary

In this conclusion, we will revisit the fundamental concepts of simple harmonic motion that were covered in class. We'll summarize how the motion equation was derived and applied in practical examples such as pendulums and springs, reinforcing theoretical understanding with hands-on practice.

Theory Connection

The connection between theory and practice was established through experimental activities, where students could visualize and quantify the behaviour of oscillatory systems. This not only reinforced comprehension of mathematical equations but also underscored the importance of analytical and critical thinking in addressing real-world challenges.

Closing

In closing, we emphasize the significance of simple harmonic motion in various everyday and technological contexts, such as in bridge engineering, musical acoustics, and vehicle suspension systems, illustrating how physics concepts are practically and fundamentally integrated into our daily lives.