Magical Motion
Do you remember the scene when Harry Potter (on a broom) catches the remembrall that Malfoy throws (on a broom)?Copyright 2011 Rachel Howser, GK-12 Program, University of Houston
Students watch video clips from the October Sky and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone movies to see examples of projectile motion. Then they explore the relationships between displacement, velocity and acceleration, and calculate simple projectile motion. The objective of this activity is to articulate concepts related to force and motion through direct immersive interaction based on "The Science Behind Harry Potter" theme. Students' interest is piqued by the use of popular culture in the classroom.
Many types of engineering disciplines rely upon the concepts of force and motion. Mechanical engineers use their knowledge of force and motion to design engines that transport goods and people, machines and tools such as vacuum cleaners and factory assembly equipment that make our ways of life possible, as well as many other types of devices and products. Structural engineers apply their understanding of force and motion to design structures that can withstand normal forces (such as traffic or wind loads) and atypical forces (such as earthquakes, monsoons and hurricanes) so that we are safe during everyday activities and disasters. Aerospace engineers must understand forces and physical properties as they design aircraft, rockets and spacecraft, including predicting projectile motion.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Describe displacement, velocity and acceleration.
- Describe gravity.
- Describe projectile motion.