Force and Motion
Movement of any sort involves applying a force, usually in the direction that you wish to move in. Being able to visualise the forces at play in structures as simple as pot hangers, kennel or lean-to shelters imparts a greater understanding of what is happening. Multiple forces working together allow for the exploration of Vectors - which will sometimes help us to understand why our shelter fell down first time.
Challenge
- Are you able to Build simple structures that will stay up, using only woodland material?
- Can you suspend a pot over a fire so that there is control over the level of heating?
- Can you build a tarp shelter that will stay up and keep you dry?
- Are you able to visualise the forces involved as vectors and control them so that your structures stay up, even under additional force?
- Can you build an A Frame or Lean-to shelter from woodland materials that will stay up and keep you dry?
Value
This session will examine the forces that allow us to build simple structures and have them stay up:
- Students will learn to visualise the forces as part of a set of Vectors.
- Analysis of the angle and placement of the supports will enable the students to create and adjust structures. The session will include the construction of tripod based structures to act as 'pot hangers' and the opportunity to make a more complex structure using woodland materials
- The session will include modelling using a 'floating' vector model.
- The role of Friction in making self supporting structures will be included.
- The use of relevant knots and bindings can be included by arrangement..
Hooke's Law: If you prefer you can have a session that allows students to complete a practical investigation into Hooke's Law (often called the "springs experiment"). Using a hazel rod we will apply increasing levels of force to the rod by loading it with quantities of water. Will it follow Hooke's Law? Find out after plotting your results.
Students will have the opportunity to make judgements for themselves, reassess and try again. This will ensure that they not only have the success in the task that they require but also apply the aspects of their knowledge to a practical task.
