The italicized font represents information to be shared orally or physically completed with the students at this time.

The non-italicized font represents additional information included supporting the teacher’s understanding of the content being introduced within the CELL.

ASK WHY

Remind students that pendulums are used in many engineered objects. They can be found in swings, grandfather clocks, Inertial Guidance systems used in some aircraft instrumentation, and seismographic instruments. Understanding the physics of how pendulums behave is an important step towards understanding motion, gravity, inertia, and centripetal force.

BRANCH OUT

Remind students that mechanical engineers design equipment for demolition purposes. They design mobile cranes which use swinging a wrecking ball into structures to knock them down. This process is typically achieved through the use of a pendulum.

GET FOCUSED

LEARN THE LabLearner LINGO

The following list includes Key Terms that are introduced in the Investigation Background(s). They should be used, as appropriate, by teachers and students during everyday classroom discourse.

• length
• period
• amplitude
• mass

Note: Definitions of these terms can be found on the Introduction page to the CELL.

Note: Additional words may be bolded within the Background(s). These words are not Key Terms and are strictly emphasized for exposure at this time.

SET FOR SUCCESS

• Read through the Scientist Data Record with students. Stop to ask students questions or answer students’ questions when necessary. Remind students to follow along with their SDRs and make any notes that they think might be helpful. 
• Direct students to divide into their lab groups to discuss their strategy for the lab. For example, they may assign certain group members to perform specific functions during the lab.