Unit 15 - Force and Power
Force and Power
Objectives By the end of this unit, students are expected to:- Differentiate between renewable and non-renewable energy sources.
- Recognize the environmental impact of electronic waste and discuss sustainable practices.
- Build and test model cars powered by various energy sources.
- Understand and demonstrate the concepts of force and power through hands-on activities and physical exercises.
- Accurately measure time and length to explore the relationship between force, power, and movement. Also using the mobile app.
Materials Needed
- Images/models of renewable and non-renewable energy sources (e.g., solar panels, wind turbines, coal)
- Samples or visuals of electronic waste (e.g., old phones, batteries)
- Stopwatches, measuring tapes, rulers / Hoops (for F1 game in P.E. activity)
Cars powered by different sources:
Solar energy (solar panel car model)
Water energy (water-powered car model)
Air (balloon) - Powered Balloon Car
Battery-powered (battery-operated car)
Elastic energy-powered (Elastic energy-operated car)
Activity 1: Introduction to Energy Sources (Science)
Objective: Learn about renewable and non-renewable energy sources.
Duration: 20 minutes
Instructions:
- Present images or small models of energy sources (e.g., coal, solar panels, wind turbines).
- Explain how each source produces energy and its classification (renewable vs. non-renewable).
- Group Task: Students categorize energy sources and discuss their pros and cons.
- Facilitate a discussion on energy sources used at home or in the community.
- In small groups, students are assigned a specific energy source (solar, water, air, or battery).
- Using kits, they design and build cars powered by their assigned energy source.
- Focus: Discuss how each energy type powers the car and the role of each component.
- Groups test their cars, measuring the distance covered in one run.
- Repeat trials to ensure accuracy.
- Mathematics Focus: Calculate averages and compare results.
- Groups reflect on the efficiency of each energy source
Activity 2b: Engineering and Tehnology /Practical Application – Car Experiment Stations
Duration: 45 minutes
Objective: Explore various energy sources through hands-on experiments with model cars and collect data on their performance using the Phyphox app.
Setup:
- Ensure each group has access to a smartphone with the Phyphox app installed. Instructions:
Part 2: Measuring Performance with Phyphox
Objective: Use the Phyphox app to measure the performance of each car.
1. Measurement Tasks:
Part 3: Data Analysis (Math) and Reflection
1. Data Recording:
Students record their observations and results in a table:
Example Columns: Energy Source, Distance (m), Time (s), Efficiency Observations.
2. Discussion:
- Record distance traveled using the app’s distance tools or manually if needed. Use the app to track time taken to cover a specific distance (optionaly)
- Open the app and select the appropriate experiment (e.g., acceleration or time measurement).
- Place the phone on a flat surface or attach it securely near the car’s path (if safe).
- Record data for each trial, ensuring consistent conditions for all energy sources
Part 3: Data Analysis (Math) and Reflection
1. Data Recording:
Students record their observations and results in a table:
Example Columns: Energy Source, Distance (m), Time (s), Efficiency Observations.
2. Discussion:
- Compare the speed, distance, and efficiency of each energy source.
- Discuss why certain energy sources performed better or worse.
- Relate findings to real-world energy sources, discussing efficiency and environmental impact.
- Each group writes a brief summary of their findings, focusing on:
- Which energy source was most efficient and why.
- How energy sources can impact sustainability and everyday life.
Activity 3: F1 Human-Powered Car Race, Memory Game, Tug of War (Physical Education)
Objective: Simulate human-powered energy through active play.
Duration: 45 minutes (all games)
Instructions:
- Students use hula hoops as steering wheels to simulate an F1 race. After the race, discuss the physical effort required and relate it to energy expenditure.
Activity 3b: Tug of War – Exploring Force and Power (Physical Education)
Objective: Experience the concepts of force and energy through teamwork.
Duration: 20 minutes
Instructions:
- Divide students into two teams for a tug-of-war game.
- Reflect on how applying more force requires more energy.
Activity 3c: Memory Game with Physical Exercises
Objective: Enhance memory, attention, and physical fitness through a collaborative and competitive game.
Duration: 20-30 minutes
Setup:
1. Playing Area:
- Set up a large playing area with a square grid of 24 Poly spots placed face down.
- Each Poly spot hides one of 12 unique signs (e.g., exercises such as “10 squats,” “5 push-ups”).
- The Poly spots should be securely fixed to the ground to prevent the signs from shifting.
- Place the starting line at a distance appropriate for the students’ age and skill levels.
- Teams will line up or group together behind this line.
- Divide students into two or more teams, ensuring an equal number of players.
- Teams take turns sending one pair of players to the playing area.
- Players move to the playing board using a specific method, such as running, skipping, piggybackrides, or wheelbarrow exercises, as assigned by the teacher.
- Each player lifts one Poly spot to reveal the sign underneath.
- If the signs on the two Poly spots match, the team wins a point and takes the Poly spots back to their group.
- If the signs do not match, players must return the Poly spots to their original positions and return to the starting line.
- Physical Exam Requirements
- If a match is found, all team members must perform the exercise on the signs before the next players go.
- If no match is found, all team members must perform both exercises from the revealed signs.
STEAM Components:
- Science: Learning about renewable and non-renewable energy sources.
- Technology: Using devices (mobile app) to measure. Alternativly, to create mind maps on electronic waste.
- Engineering: Exploring various car models powered by different energy sources.
- Physical Education: Engaging in the F1 game to simulate human-powered energy.
- Art: Creating posters to promote energy conservation and recycling.
- Mathematics: Measuring time and length to understand force in movement.