Lesson Plan | Teachy Methodology | Simple Harmonic Motion: Simple Pendulum

Objectives

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to guide the teacher and students on what will be covered during the lesson, ensuring that everyone is aware of the objectives to be achieved. By outlining the main and secondary objectives, the teacher can structure the lesson to maximize understanding and practical application of the concepts of simple harmonic motion and the simple pendulum. This stage establishes a solid foundation for active and contextualized learning while promoting the use of digital tools that facilitate student engagement and interactivity.

Main Objectives

1. Understand that a simple pendulum can exhibit motion described by simple harmonic motion.

2. Calculate the gravity of a region using a simple pendulum.

3. Determine the length or period of a simple pendulum.

Side Objectives

1. Relate theoretical concepts to real-world dynamics.
2. Incorporate the use of digital tools for problem-solving and simulations.

Introduction

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to warm up the students and engage them in the lesson topic, utilizing digital tools to stimulate curiosity and initiate debate. By sharing interesting facts and answering key questions, students begin to contextualize previously studied knowledge and prepare for the subsequent practical activities.

Warming Up

Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) is a fundamental form of oscillatory motion that can be observed in various physical systems, including the simple pendulum. To start the lesson, ask students to use their cell phones to research an interesting fact about pendulums or Simple Harmonic Motion and share it with the class. Encourage them to look for videos, articles, or curiosities that connect the topic to everyday life.

Initial Reflections

1. What is Simple Harmonic Motion?

2. How to identify Simple Harmonic Motion in a pendulum?

3. What are the fundamental equations that describe the SHM of a simple pendulum?

4. How can we determine the gravity of a region using a simple pendulum?

5. What factors influence the oscillation period of a simple pendulum?

Development

Duration: 70 - 80 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to engage students in practical activities that deepen their understanding of Simple Harmonic Motion and the simple pendulum. Through creative scenarios and the use of digital technologies, students will be encouraged to apply theoretical concepts, conduct experiments, and communicate their knowledge innovatively and engagingly.

Activity Suggestions

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

Activity 1 - The Journey of the Scientific Influencer 

> Duration: 60 - 70 minutes

- Objective: Develop the ability to explain scientific concepts clearly and engagingly, using social media and digital communication skills.

- Description: In this activity, students will become digital influencers focused on scientific content. They will create a series of Instagram stories explaining the concept of Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) through the simple pendulum. The activity will involve creativity, information synthesis, and communication skills.

- Instructions:

• Divide students into groups of no more than 5 people.

• Each group must create an Instagram account (it can be a temporary or fictitious account).

• Students will be challenged to create a sequence of at least 5 stories explaining Simple Harmonic Motion using a simple pendulum.

• The stories must include: an introduction about the simple pendulum, the concept of SHM, the formula for the period, a practical example of calculation using a pendulum, and a curiosity or interesting fact about the topic.

• Use visual resources such as graphs, animations, and even memes to make the stories engaging.

• Groups must publish the sequence of stories and share them with the class.

• Each group must view the stories of at least 2 other groups and leave constructive comments.

Activity 2 - Interactive Simulation: The Virtual Pendulum ️

> Duration: 60 - 70 minutes

- Objective: Promote a deep understanding of the concepts of Simple Harmonic Motion through experimentation and data analysis in a controlled virtual environment.

- Description: Students will use an online simulation software to explore the behavior of a simple pendulum. They will need to adjust parameters such as the length of the pendulum and the acceleration due to gravity to observe how these variables affect the oscillation period.

- Instructions:

• Divide students into groups of no more than 5 people.

• Each group must access the online simulation software available at https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/pendulum-lab/latest/pendulum-lab_en.html.

• Ask students to explore the simulation by adjusting the length of the pendulum and gravity to observe the effects on the oscillation period.

• Each group should record their observations and compare them with the theoretical predictions.

• Students should formulate hypotheses and test different scenarios in the simulation to verify if their hypotheses are correct.

• Finally, each group must prepare a digital presentation (such as a PowerPoint or Google Slides slide) summarizing their findings and present them to the class.

Activity 3 - The Challenge of the Real and Virtual Pendulum ⏱️

> Duration: 60 - 70 minutes

- Objective: Apply theoretical concepts in practical and virtual experiments, promoting the integration of experimental and technological skills, and developing the ability for critical data analysis.

- Description: In this activity, students will conduct practical and virtual experiments to measure the period of a simple pendulum and calculate the local acceleration due to gravity. The activity will involve comparing data obtained experimentally with simulated data.

- Instructions:

• Divide students into groups of no more than 5 people.

• Each group must build a simple pendulum using materials available in the classroom (such as string and weights).

• Each group must measure the length of the pendulum and use a stopwatch to measure the oscillation period.

• Students should record their measurements and calculate the local acceleration due to gravity using the pendulum period formula.

• Next, students should access an online simulation of the pendulum (as provided in the previous activity link) and adjust the parameters to match the real experiment.

• Students should compare the results obtained in the real experiment with those from the simulation and discuss possible discrepancies.

• At the end, each group must prepare a digital report (in document or presentation format) summarizing their procedures, results, and conclusions, and share it with the class.

Feedback

Duration: 20 - 30 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to promote reflection and consolidation of learning, allowing students to share their experiences, discuss their conclusions, and receive constructive feedback from peers. This group discussion and feedback exchange help to strengthen the understanding of the learned concepts and develop communication and collaboration skills.

Group Discussion

Encourage a group discussion where each group will share their findings and conclusions from the activities carried out. Use the following script to introduce the discussion:

Introduction: Thank everyone for their participation and explain the importance of sharing discoveries. Group Presentations: Ask each group, in turn, to share a summary of their activities, results, and conclusions. Encourage students to use visual resources, such as slides or short videos, if possible. Questions and Answers: After each presentation, open the floor for questions and comments from other students. Stimulate healthy debate and idea exchange. Closing: Summarize the most important points discussed and highlight how the activity contributed to the understanding of Simple Harmonic Motion.

Reflections

1. What were the main difficulties encountered during the activities (both practical and digital)? 2. How did the simulation contribute to understanding the experimental results? 3. In what ways did this digital and practical approach help you to better understand the concepts of Simple Harmonic Motion?

360° Feedback

Conduct a 360° feedback stage, where each student will receive feedback from their group members. Instruct students to provide constructive and respectful feedback using the following guidelines:

Positive Feedback: Start with something the peer did well, such as contributing ideas, clarity in communication, or technical skills. Suggestions for Improvement: Offer constructive suggestions on how the peer can improve or contribute even more effectively in future activities. Respectful Closing: End the feedback with an encouraging comment, emphasizing the importance of the peer's contribution to the group's success.

Conclusion

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

 Purpose of this Stage! 

This stage aims to consolidate learning, providing a space for reflection on the topics covered and their connection to the real world. By summarizing the main points of the lesson in a creative and fun way, reinforcing the applicability of concepts in modern life, and highlighting their significant practical applications, students conclude the lesson with a clear and engaging understanding of Simple Harmonic Motion and the simple pendulum. 

Summary

✨ Animated Summary! ✨

Let's recall our mythical journey through the universe of Simple Harmonic Motion and the secrets of the simple pendulum.  From creating influencer-style content , through interactive simulations ️, and culminating in practical and challenging experiments ⏱️. Along this journey, students explored the fundamental equation of the pendulum's period, adjusted parameters to understand gravity, and discovered how theoretical phenomena fit into our daily lives. What an incredible scientific adventure this was, huh? 

World Connection

 In the Present World! 

In the dynamic context of modern life, where social media and digital technologies shape our interactions and learning, understanding scientific concepts like Simple Harmonic Motion is more relevant than ever. Through the creation of explanatory content on social media and the use of simulation software, students connected theory to practice in an engaging and contemporary way, demonstrating how physics can be applicable and fun in the 21st century. ⚙️

Practical Application

 Practical Applications! 

Understanding Simple Harmonic Motion and the simple pendulum is crucial for various everyday applications, from engineering structures like bridges and skyscrapers to creating precise clocks and understanding natural phenomena. The ability to calculate local gravity or determine the period of a pendulum holds relevance in fields of study and professions ranging from science to technology, making the learning of this topic essential for the formation of future professionals. ️⌚