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Interaction with Force, Mass, and Motion

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Elizabeth Homans Elizabeth Homans 535 Points

Hi! I want to do a unit on the relationship between force, mass, and motion, but I do not have a deep understanding of these concepts myself. Where can I go to get the foundational understanding that I need? Elizabeth
Megan Doty Megan Doty 11847 Points

Hi Elizabeth, Great question! I really like what everyone else has already posted on this thread, but wanted to add a few things as well. There is an Enhanced E-Book on Force and Motion that may be helpful - check it out here: http://common.nsta.org/resource/?id=10.2505/9781941316627 Also, depending on what grade level you teach, you could check out the collections about Force and Motion, linked below:

Elementary Collection- http://learningcenter.nsta.org/mylibrary/collection.aspx?id=/ToFiogdShk_E

Middle Collection- http://learningcenter.nsta.org/mylibrary/collection.aspx?id=5Mk/Bz4ggwY_E

High Collection- http://learningcenter.nsta.org/mylibrary/collection.aspx?id=wFXz/hOqoL8_E

I hope these help! Megan
Carolyn Mohr Carolyn Mohr 89208 Points

Hi Elizabeth,

I am wondering how you are doing and if you found the resources you needed to better grasp the concepts in your force and motion unit.  If you are still looking for some additional support, I highly recommend the Dr. Robertson "Stop Faking It" series.  His book on Force and Motion is excellent.  http://common.nsta.org/resource/?id=10.2505/9780873552097

(Nanette mentioned the series; this is the book in that series that addresses forces and motion.)

It is written so one can interact with the text by doing simple investigations at home that Dr. Robertson uses to model each concept.

Let us know how your unit went.

Best,

Carolyn
Joseph Bellina Joseph Joseph Bellina 170 Points

HI Elizabeth,

Some time ago you asked for help with understanding and were given a good set of suggestions.  I'm writing to see if you have any questions about this subtle topic.  If so, perhaps I can help.

cheers,

joe

 
Debbie Morgan Debbie Morgan 944 Points

Hi Elizabeth,
How exciting! Way to be a great example to your students of a life-long learner. The NSTA SciPack on force and motion is a great place to start. It has great simulations to help you visualize the basic concepts. Here's the link to all the scipacks NSTA offers: http://www.nsta.org/publications/scipacks.aspx

Also, http://physicsclassroom.com can give you an even more in-depth understanding with text, practice problems, and simulations. I hope these resources help! Good luck!

Debbie
Debbie Morgan Debbie Morgan 944 Points

Oh! I almost forgot the pHET simulations website. My student enjoy these simulations. There are a few on force and motion: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/category/physics
Nanette Fladung Nanette Fladung 1340 Points

You may also want to invest in some easy to read, easy to understand books. I highly recommend http://www.nsta.org/publications/press/stopfakingit.aspx this series. The books are short, present the concepts well, and give some great ideas on how to teach the concepts. Nanette
Sridhar Sundaram Sridhar Sundaram 140 Points

Like PHET simulations but simpler and targeted at 9/10 graders http://www.mazalearn.com Covers all topics for 9,10 grade physics and it is free for student use.
Elizabeth Homans Elizabeth Homans 535 Points

Thank you so much! I will definetely be checking these out!
Kylee Bader Kylee Bader 510 Points

I think students really enjoy the Phet Simulations but also providing activities for students that they can do hands on I believe is more beneficial.
Ruth Hutson Ruth Hutson 63625 Points

In my physics classroom, we use both hands-on activities and pHet simulations.  The hands-on activities provide concrete experience with the phenomena that my students are studying.  The computer simulations help them further explore those concrete experience by looking at the phenomena a different way.  For example, when study projectiles, I have students build mini-catapults and test how they work.  They observe and describe how motion projectile motion looks. Then they follow up that activity with the pHet simulation in which they can more easily control variables so they can test the different factors that contribute to projectile motion. 
Brian Kucera Brian Kucera 585 Points

You could always try google! Honestly you can find some good stuff on there. Other than that, watching visuals on youtube, or demonstrations would always help reinforce understanding of a content. 

Good luck!
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