
Probably best known for his work in astronomy and run-in with the Catholic Church, Galileo made other discoveries in the 16th and 17th century that trip up physics students even today. For instance, he discovered that the speed at which two objects fall does not depend on their weight (but don’t forget about air resistance!), and that the period of a pendulum depends only on its length, not its mass or height of release.
The SPS inclined plane experiment wasn't exactly like Galileo's. Third graders are a little too excitable to keep time using their heartbeat, and I don't think they had Pepsi cans in the 1600s. The lesson became more of a competition, where the students raced different objects and tested their intuitive knowledge of moment of inertia. But in the true spirit of science, research was done, discoveries were made, and everyone had a great time. I think Galileo would have been proud.

That was an awesome afternoon, thanks for posting about it. :)
ReplyDeleteI really love the intensity evident in their faces...great stuff!
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