Lessons
Mini Golf Physics
Imagine going to a mini golf course, but where you can use golf balls of lead or aluminum or try a course made of velvet or glass. Try different courses where you can explore principles of kinematics in physics, like exploring the effects of a force on different masses and the corresponding acceleration. Try other courses to observe the effects of contact and non-contact forces on the ball as you try to get it into the hole with as few strokes as possible.
Grade 6 - Energy: In what ways can interactions lead to physical change?
Science 7 - Unit D: Structures & Forces
Science 10 - Energy Flow in Technological Systems
Curricular Connections
Grade 4 - Energy: How can forces affect objects at a distance?Grade 6 - Energy: In what ways can interactions lead to physical change?
Science 7 - Unit D: Structures & Forces
Science 10 - Energy Flow in Technological Systems
Skills
Critical Thinking
Observation
Participation
Physical Manipulation
Activities
Effects of Friction
Observe the effects of different materials and the friction they apply to a rolling ball
| Objective | Description |
|---|---|
| Observing Effects of Friction | Students will observe the effects of different surfaces and their coefficients of friction on the movement of an object. |
Newton's Second Law
Use golf balls of different masses to observe the effects of applied forces
| Objective | Description |
|---|---|
| Relating Mass and Forces | Students will observe and recognize the application of Newton's second law and how acceleration (and velocity) relate to an object's mass and the applied force. |
Ramps and Energy
Observe the changes in mechanical energy (kinetic and potential) as a ball rolls up and down ramps on its way to the hole.
| Objective | Description |
|---|---|
| Relating Kinetic and Potential Energy | Students will observe the changes in kinetic and potential energy as a ball rolls up and down ramps. |