Swinging with Style
Students experientially learn about the characteristics of a simple physics phenomenon — the pendulum — by riding on playground swings. They use pendulum terms and a timer to experiment with swing variables. They extend their knowledge by following the steps of the engineering design process to design timekeeping devices powered by human swinging.
A swing acts as a pendulum, and we can study swings to help us better understand pendulums and motion concepts.Copyright Copyright © 2004 Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399 USA. All rights reserved.
Pendulums are used in many everyday applications, including clocks, earthquake sensors and amusement park rides — all designed by engineers. Engineers who understand the scientific concepts and "laws" that govern motion in our world use their knowledge to make today's themed entertainment and attractions happen. From model-making to designing safe structures to lighting and special effects, engineers are part of the entertainment industry. The world is always in need of people like engineers, who solve problems and discover creative new ways of doing things.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain why a swing can be described as a pendulum.
- Explain the effects of gravity and inertia in a pendulum.
- Use the engineering design process to develop a new invention using what they have learned about pendulums.