Discuss how objects "fall" to the Earth when released from a high point with varying forces. Elicit the pathways taken from a straight line to a curved path. Determine the distance traveled in a given period of time for each pathway. From that information elicit the definition of a satellite. Discuss the rate at which an object falls and the rate at which the Earth curves. Determine distance for 1 second. Determine curvature of the Earth as a 5m drop every 8000 meters. Determine the velocity needed to orbit the planet.

We will use a green laser and various transparent materials to see the reflection and refraction of the laser light.

To investigate the momentum Changss when objects collide. The vectors drawn on a graph paper represent the momentum of he objects (steel ball) after the collisions Determine how the sum of the moments of the vectors are equal. Determine how the results support the conservation of energy.

To investigate the momentum Changes when objects collide. The vectors drawn on a graph paper represent the momentum of the objects (steel ball) after the collisions. Determine how the sum of the momentums of the vectors are equal. Determine how the results support the conservation of energy.

Lab to investigate the momentum changes when two objects collide. This is part one of a two part investigation. Formulas are applied after a measure of the height which a ball drops and used to determine time of travel. Mass is measured and the distance the object falls from the table top in an arc to the plum line is measured. The velocity of the ball is determined and the momentum.

Discuss action at a distance. Introduce magnetic field as a force field. Depict the force field surrounding the Earth as vector arrows. Demonstrate how the vector arrows become closer the closer to the surface. Define the square of the distance used to illustrate the change in force field. Discuss zero net gravitational force at the center of the planet. Discuss weightlessness as the absence of a supporting force and not the absence of gravity

Sketch and discuss the path an object will take when dropped from a height above the surface of the planet when different forces are applied. Sketch the path if dropped straight down, if pushed with a small force, if used with a greater force, and finally if accelerated with a high force. Discuss the different motions from straight down to curved, to a greater curve and finally an orbit. Use the formula d=1/2at^2 to solve for distance.

Ben will measure a lab table with a 6 inch ruler, a meter stick, and a 100 foot tape measure. He will identify the precision of each measuring tool. We will discuss accuracy and how it differs from precision. We will discuss appropriate units of measurement.

Define the field as action at a distance. Discuss that objects within the gravitational field feel a force of attraction. Sketch how the field is strongest closer to the object, such as the Earth, and the force field spreads as distance increases. The field decreases as the square of the distance. The field is zero at the center of the Earth, no net force. Elicit why a scale placed in an elevator which is free falling down will show a weight of zero, feels like no gravity. There is no supporting force to push up.

Demonstrate a gravitational field using magnets and iron filings. Define gravitational field as a force field. Demonstrate gravitational field lines being closer to the Earth by using field line arrows. Using the law of universal gravitation, F= G m1m2/D^2, Calculate the mass of the Earth.