The Big Mo
Mass media is influentialCopyright Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay, https://pixabay.com/illustrations/hands-smartphone-social-media-1167618/
Accessed July 29, 2020
Momentum is not only a physical principle; it is a psychological phenomenon. Students learn how the "Big Mo" of the bandwagon effect contributes to the development of fads and manias, and how modern technology and mass media accelerate and intensify the effect. Students develop media literacy and critical thinking skills to analyze trends and determine the extent to which their decisions may be influenced by those who manipulate a few opinion leaders. Note: The literacy activities for the Mechanics unit are based on physical themes that have broad application to our experience in the world — concepts of rhythm, balance, spin, gravity, levity, inertia, momentum, friction, stress and tension.
Good engineering ideas can evolve because of the "Big Mo." When some engineers made available the safety option of air bags in select cars, many other manufacturers hopped on the band wagon. Consumers and insurance companies added to the evolution of the idea once they saw crash test results; they generated a buzz about the value and importance of the safety feature for everyone. Now, providing air bags in new cars is a required government safety standard, rather than an "extra."
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Students apply skills in analysis, synthesis, evaluation and explanation to their writing and speaking.
- Write and speak in the content areas using the technical vocabulary of the subject accurately. .
- Relate momentum as a physical principle and a psychological phenomenon - something that occurs in everyday life and in engineering design.