Variables/ Swingers

Part 1: Exploring Swingers

Part 2: Testing Variables

Part 3: Predicting Swings

Part 1: Exploring Swingers

Pendulum- a mass hanging from a fixed point that is free to swing to and fro (swinger)

Cycle- motion or activity that repeats itself

Variable- anything that you can change in an experiment that might affect the outcome of it

Draw a diagram of a swinger system

Part 1: Exploring Swingers

Controlling Variables- changing 1 thing at a time in an experiment

What are pendulum system variables? How can I speed up a pendulum

system? How can I slow down a pendulum

system? What are the parts of the pendulum

system?

Part 1: Exploring Swingers

Pendulum system variables include the release position, the mass at the end of the pendulum, and the length of the pendulum.

To speed up a pendulum, you must shorten its’ length.

To slow down a pendulum, lengthen it. Pendulum system parts include the

string, the paper clip, the penny, the tape, and the pencil

Part 2: Testing Variables

Experiment- investigation designed to find out how variables affect outcomes

Controlled Experiment- an experiment in which one variable is changed and the outcome is compared to a standard

Standard- a basic procedure used in an experiment before changing any variables.

Part 2: Testing Variables

What effect will changing the release position have on the number of swings?

What effect will adding mass to the pendulum bob have on the number of swings?

What effect will changing pendulum length have on the number of swings?

Part 2: Testing Variables

Release position does not affect the number of swings.

Mass of the bob does not affect the number of swings.

Pendulum length does affect the number of swings. The longer the pendulum, the fewer swings. The shorter the pendulum, the more swings.

Part 3: Predicting Swings

Two-coordinate graph- graph that shows the outcome of a series of experiments when a variable is changed by steps

Prediction- an estimate based on information or experience

Part 3: Predicting Swings

How can a two- coordinate graph help to determine the value of a variable?

What can I do to be sure my experiments are accurate?

Part 3: Predicting Swings

A two- coordinate graph can help to determine the value of a related variable if one of the 2 variables is known

To be sure my experiments are accurate, I can control all variables that are not being investigated. I can repeat experiments, and I can use small units to record data