Motion with uniform acceleration is often considered a dull topic in elementary physics. This student perception probably arises because the emphasis is primarily placed on computing relevant quantities, rather than providing conceptual context or real-world physics applications. Fortunately, there is a type of motion with uniform acceleration that occurs in everyday life: free-fall motion. This aspect makes the topic more intriguing. In this work, we present a lesson design that incorporates a colorful demonstration and creative data processing to explore free-fall motion within a classroom setting. Our lesson begins by introducing the concept of free fall to students and subsequently guides them through an inquiry-based exploration of this motion. Students are encouraged to form hypotheses, which are then tested through a colorful experiment to determine the value of the free-fall acceleration g. We have seen that the process of acquiring new knowledge through this approach is enjoyed by our...
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October 2024
PAPERS|
October 01 2024
A Beautiful Pictorial Approach to Explore Free-Fall Motion in a Classroom
Yajun Wei
;
Yajun Wei
1
Guangzhou University
, Guangzhou, China, and Zhuhai No. 1 High School, Zhuhai, China
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Dawei Zhang;
Dawei Zhang
2Zhuhai No. 1 High School, Zhuhai,
China
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Qingsong Zou;
Qingsong Zou
2Zhuhai No. 1 High School, Zhuhai,
China
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Zhiquan Xiong
Zhiquan Xiong
3
Zhuhai Institute of Educational Research
, Zhuhai, China
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Yajun Wei, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China, and Zhuhai No. 1 High School, Zhuhai, China; runnerwei@qq.com
Phys. Teach. 62, 567–570 (2024)
Citation
Yajun Wei, Dawei Zhang, Qingsong Zou, Zhiquan Xiong; A Beautiful Pictorial Approach to Explore Free-Fall Motion in a Classroom. Phys. Teach. 1 October 2024; 62 (7): 567–570. https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0135338
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