Heather Smith

Joy Fledderjohann

Topic: Centrifugal force.

Subject: Science

Materials: Worksheet with questions and K’nex building kit.
Objectives: 
           1.  The students will work with a " swing ride" to determine what centrifugal force
                 is. 
           2. The students will answer questions regarding the swing ride.
Procedures: 
               1.  The model of the swing ride will be put at the front of the classroom for all to
                    see.
               2.  Tell the students that they will learn about centrifugal force.
               3.  Tell the students that centrifugal force is the force placed on an object that is 
                     in circular motion. Spin the swing at the top to show circular motion.
               4.  Explain to students that, during circular motion, the object is forced away from
                    the axis of motion. Spin the axis of rotation and have the students note that the
                    individual swings swing out.
               5.  Explain that Newton’s law of motion says an object in motion will remain in
                    motion unless acted on by another force, and explain that the object begins in
                    a straight line but the center of rotation pulls the object in a circular motion.
                    Therefore the swing pulls out. Spin the swing slowly so the students can
                    imagine the straight path but see the circular motion. Work with the students 
                    until they have an understanding.
               6.  The students will be in groups of four or five and they will build their own 
                    swing rides according to the model. They will be required to answer the 
                    following questions on a piece of paper.
                                   a.  Explain centrifugal force in your own words.
                                   b.  If the white parts on each swing are seats, and the seats spin 
                                        around as well, would the people be forced toward the outside 
                                        or the inside?
                                   c.  What could you do to the ride so that the swings do not swing 
                                        out?
                        
Evaluation: 
       The students will be evaluated on how well they answer the questions. If they are able to give correct answers that are explicit and they make sense, the objectives will be met.		 Source: 

Motion, Force, and Energy. Prentice-Hall Science. 1993. 

By: Prentice-Hall, Inc. Englewood Cliffs, NJ. Pages 24,25,41,42.