published by the College Ready Math-Science Partnership
written by Keith Paxton

This lesson plan and teacher's notes describe a project covering equilibrium and torques. Students work in groups to construct mobiles during three class periods. This guided-inquiry project involved the students in the design and a numerical analysis of systems with significant complexity. The activity addresses student difficulties with calculations of states of equilibrium where the net torque vanishes. The project also provides an experience that combines creativity and analysis, where students can "enjoy using their artistic talents and connecting it to physics." Information is provided on implementation and assessment of the activity.

This is part of a collection of similar resources developed by participants in the College-Ready Math-Science Partnership at the University of Arkansas.

• Download MobileProject_Bentonville.pdf - 227kb Adobe PDF Document

Last Modified October 22, 2015

by Keith Paxton, Bentonville High School

These teacher's notes describe the background information for this student activity.

• Download Mobile Project-Story of Enactment.docx - 22kb Word Document

Last Modified February 24, 2016

This file has previous versions.

by Keith Paxton, Bentonville High School

This is a Word version of the student worksheet for the Mobile Project activity.

• Download MobileProject_Bentonville_Student.docx - 13kb Word Document

Last Modified February 24, 2016

This file has previous versions.