This work describes a way to study uniform circular motion (UCM) using a LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Robotics Invention System (RIS) stepper motor with a steel ball attached to a string. The equipment is inexpensive and the resulting motion takes place on a human scale. Times and lengths can be measured with a stopwatch and a meterstick, respectively. In addition, students get a brief introduction to robotics.

Topics
Equipment and apparatus, Kinematics, Newtonian mechanics, Electric motors, Programming languages, Robotics, Microcomputers, Stepper motors, Educational assessment, Public policy and governance
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2018
American Association of Physics Teachers
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