Science
Physics, Part 1
Module 1 Content Guide
Big Question
How do different variables affect the flight path of projectiles?
Big Idea
By using proper scientific investigation methods, much of the world around
us can be explained with equations and basic relationships. Essential to
understanding the world around us is being able to determine how the many
variables around us affect each other and how we can properly measure
them and express their significance with proper units.
Learning Objectives
After completing this module, students will be able to:
• 1.1) Write a scientific question & hypothesis
• 1.2) Identify independent and dependent variables
• 1.3) Identify direct, inverse, and non-related variables
• 1.4) Identify appropriate measurement methods and units for collecting
data
• 1.5) Make simple SI unit conversions
Science
Physics, Part 1
Module 1 Content Guide
Lesson 1
Dark Consumption Theory Reflection
What are your thoughts regarding the Dark Consumption Theory (DCT)?
Do you think the DCT is legitimate?
Defend your answer. Include examples of phenomena that make sense
according to DCT or counterexamples.
Dark Consumption Theory Take-Away
How do you find the truth?
Science
Physics, Part 1
Module 1 Content Guide
Lesson 2
1.1) Write a scientific question & hypothesis
Lesson Outcomes 1.2) Identify independent and dependent variables
1.3) Identify direct, inverse, and non-related variables
Guidelines for Scientific Questions
The following are guidelines for questions for scientific
investigations: 1. The question must be _.
Example:
• Will traveling back in time will cause memory loss?
2. The question can't test more than one _.
Example:
• How does the number of explosions and epic superpowers increase
movie sales?
3. It can't be a _ question or have a simple numerical
answer.
Example:
• Can a goldfish survive in a 2-liter bottle of Mountain Dew?
4. The general format for a scientific question is:
How does X affect Y?
Variable Variable
Science
Physics, Part 1
Module 1 Content Guide
Types of Variables
Draw connecting lines to the correct definitions.
Independent Variable • These are other variables you try keep constant, so they don't affect
your results.
Dependent Variable • You do not have control of this variable. It is the variable you are
measuring.
Constants • You control this variable. It’s the variable that changes throughout
the experiment.
Independent Dependent
Independent
Direct Relationship Inverse Relationship No Relationship
Directly proportional Inversely proportional Not proportional
Positive correlation Negative correlation No correlation
Definition Definition Definition
As the Independent As the Independent variable As the Independent
variable (x) is (x) is increased, the variable (x) is
increased, the dependent variable (y) increased, the
dependent variable _.
decreases dependent variable
(y) _.
also increases (y) _.
Doesn’t change
Science
Physics, Part 1
Module 1 Content Guide
Direct Relationship Inverse Relationship No Relationship
Arrow diagrams Arrow diagrams Arrow diagrams
X Y X Y X Y
OR OR OR
X Y X Y X Y
Graph Graph Graph
Equation Equation Equation
Direct relationship Negative relationship No relationship
Y= mx+b Y= -mx+b Y= b
OR
Inverse Relationship
Y= 1/x
Science
Physics, Part 1
Module 1 Content Guide
Lesson 3
1.1) Write a scientific question & hypothesis
Lesson Outcomes 1.2) Identify independent and dependent variables
1.3) Identify direct, inverse, and non-related variables
Projectiles Lab, Part 1
List all the independent variables you can change in this lab. (There are 7)
• Angle •
Initial Speed
• Mass
•
Diameter
• Gravity
Altitude •
• Plarform Height
List all the dependent variables you can measure in this lab. (There are 3)
• Time
Range
• Height
•
Science
Physics, Part 1
Module 1 Content Guide
Guided Example from Video
How does the diameter of the projectile affect total airtime?
Projectile used: Human
Note: Angle, initial speed, gravity, mass, altitude, and platform height
are constant.
Variable Relationship Predicted Graph (Label axis)
Inverse
Range
Arrow diagrams
X Y
Projectile Diameter
Equation
Y= -mx+b
Like the example, now you get to choose your own independent and
dependent variables and fill out the following charts. Please keep air
resistance turned on, otherwise some of the independent variables won’t
affect the projectile’s motion. Remember that projectile type is not a variable,
but simply something fun you can change for each experiment.
Investigation # 1)
How does _
altitude affect _?
distance
Projectile used: Piano
Initial speed, angle, gravity, mass, platform
Other variables kept constant: height, and diameter
Science
Physics, Part 1
Module 1 Content Guide
Variable Relationship Predicted Graph (Label axis)
_
Direct
Distance
Arrow diagrams
X Y Altitude
Equation
Y= mx+b
Investigation # 2)
How does _
mass affect _
distance ?
Projectile used: Car
Other variables kept constant: Initial speed, angle, gravity, altitude, platform height, and diameter
Variable Relationship Predicted Graph (Label axis)
_
No relationship
Distance
Arrow diagrams
Mass
X Y
Equation
Y= B
Science
Physics, Part 1
Module 1 Content Guide
Investigation # 3)
How does _
Initial Speed affect _
Distance ?
Projectile used: Baseball
Other variables kept constant: Altitude, angle, gravity, mass, platform height, and diameter
Variable Relationship Predicted Graph (Label axis)
Direct
_
Distance
Arrow diagrams
Initial Speed
X Y
Equation
Y= mx+b
Module 1 Review
Answer the Big Question for this module.
• How do different variables affect the flight path of projectiles?
Depending on the variable, the distance travelled, the airtime, and the speed, we can see a different flight path for each of the objects.
