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

Objectives

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to prepare students for the theoretical and practical understanding of simple harmonic motion applied to a pendulum. Through the development of these skills, students will be able to conduct practical experiments, calculating important variables such as local gravity, pendulum length, and its period. This practical approach not only solidifies theoretical understanding but also promotes relevant skills for the job market, such as accuracy in measurement and analysis of scientific data.

Main Objectives

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

2. Calculate the gravity of a region, or the length or period of a simple pendulum.

Side Objectives

1. Introduce basic concepts of experimental physics.
2. Develop practical skills in measurement and data analysis.

Introduction

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to prepare students for the theoretical and practical understanding of simple harmonic motion applied to a pendulum. Through the development of these skills, students will be able to conduct practical experiments, calculating important variables such as local gravity, pendulum length, and its period. This practical approach not only solidifies theoretical understanding but also promotes relevant skills for the job market, such as accuracy in measurement and analysis of scientific data.

Contextualization

Simple harmonic motion is a fundamental concept in physics that can be observed in various real situations, such as the movement of a pendulum in an old clock or the oscillation of a spring. Understanding this concept allows students to comprehend natural and technological phenomena, from the operation of precision instruments to the analysis of structures subjected to vibrations.

Curiosities and Market Connection

Curiosity: Galileo Galilei was one of the first to study the motion of pendulums, observing that the period of a simple pendulum is independent of amplitude for small oscillations. Market application: Knowledge of simple harmonic motion is essential in various engineering fields, such as civil, mechanical, and aerospace engineering, where it is necessary to analyze and predict the behavior of structures and materials subjected to oscillations and vibrations.

Initial Activity

Design a short video (2-3 minutes) about the history of pendulums and their importance in time measurement. After the video, ask the following provoking question to the students: 'How do you think the motion of a pendulum can be used to measure gravity in different places on the planet?'

Development

Duration: (60 - 65 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to provide students with a practical and interactive experience to consolidate their understanding of simple harmonic motion through the construction and analysis of a simple pendulum. By applying theoretical concepts in an experimental context, students develop essential skills in measurement, data analysis, and problem-solving, which are relevant for both understanding physics and various applications in the job market.

Covered Topics

1. Definition of Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)
2. Characteristics of a simple pendulum
3. Equation for the period of a simple pendulum
4. Calculation of gravitational acceleration using a pendulum

Reflections on the Theme

Guide students to reflect on how simple harmonic motion can be observed in different everyday contexts. Ask: 'How can understanding SHM be applied in fields such as civil engineering or mechanics? What other examples of SHM can you identify in natural or artificial systems?'

Mini Challenge

Building and Analyzing a Simple Pendulum

Students will build a simple pendulum and take measurements to determine the oscillation period. Based on these measurements, they will calculate local gravitational acceleration.

Instructions

1. Divide students into groups of 3 to 4 people.
2. Provide the necessary materials to construct the pendulum: string, mass (can be a washer or a small weight), ruler, and stopwatch.
3. Instruct each group to build a simple pendulum by attaching the mass to the end of the string and fixing the other end to a support (which can be an improvised structure in the classroom).
4. Ask students to measure and note the length of the pendulum string.
5. Each group should displace the pendulum mass to a small amplitude and release it, timing 10 full oscillations.
6. Students must calculate the average period of one oscillation (total time divided by 10).
7. Using the formula T = 2π√(L/g), where T is the period, L is the length of the pendulum, and g is the gravitational acceleration, students should rearrange the formula to find g and perform the calculations.
8. Each group must present their results and discuss possible sources of error in the measurements.

Objective: Develop practical skills in construction and measurement, apply theoretical concepts in practice, and calculate local gravitational acceleration using a simple pendulum.

Duration: (40 - 45 minutes)

Evaluation Exercises

1. Calculate the period of a simple pendulum with a length of 1.5 meters.
2. If the period of a simple pendulum is 2 seconds, what is the length of the string?
3. In an experiment, a simple pendulum with a length of 2 meters has a period of 2.83 seconds. Calculate the local gravitational acceleration.
4. Explain how accuracy in measurements can affect the results of the pendulum experiment.

Conclusion

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to consolidate students' learning by providing an integrated view of theory and practice. By recapping the main points, discussing practical applications, and promoting reflection on the challenges faced during the experiment, students can better internalize the concepts and understand the relevance of simple harmonic motion in real contexts and in the job market.

Discussion

Promote a reflective discussion with students about how the simple harmonic motion observed in the pendulum can be applied in other practical contexts. Ask students: 'What other examples of SHM can you identify in nature or technology?' and 'How can accuracy in measurements influence results in real applications, such as in civil or mechanical engineering?' Encourage students to share their observations and experiences during the pendulum experiment, discussing possible sources of error and the importance of accurate measurements.

Summary

Recap the main contents covered during the lesson, highlighting the definition of Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM), the characteristics of a simple pendulum, the equation for the period of a simple pendulum, and the calculation of local gravitational acceleration using a pendulum. Emphasize the connection between theory and practice, illustrated by the experiment conducted in the classroom.

Closing

Explain to students the importance of simple harmonic motion and its practical applications in daily life and various technological and scientific fields. Reinforce that understanding these concepts is fundamental for various professions in the job market, especially in engineering. Thank the students for their active participation and highlight the importance of accuracy in measurements and data analysis to obtain reliable results.