Lesson Plan:

The Gyro Swing and Physics

By

Tonja Pichardo

&

Stephanie Fletcher

Objectives:

The students will use their knowledge of Physics to complete the following objectives with

the use of force, friction, and weight.

The students will be able to build a Gyro Swing.

The students will be able to determine the difference in force used to turn the Gyro Swing, according to weight, position, and length of individual swings

Materials:
K-Nex building materials, picture/building plans of Gyro Swing, Handbook of Elementary Physics by Koshkin, N.I. (Nikolai Ivanovich).

Procedure:

The students will build the Gyro Swing according to the picture and plans provided.

The students will spin the swing, and watch the physical movement of the swing.

The students will add materials or change k'nex struts (for weight, length, and position) to alter the physical structure of the swing.

The students will spin the swing, after they add or change anything on the swing.

The students will record their findings of each individual spin, and determine what effects the force used, and motion of the swing.

Evaluation:

Observe the children during their construction and alteration process to determine whether the objectives were met. The students will also be evaluated on their written records and findings.