Where am I?
You wake up in an unknown location, and something feels a little off about the way objects move (including you). Determine your local value of gravity using simple materials and compare it to planetary data to figure out where you are.
Curricular Connections
- PS2.A: Forces and Motion: Newton’s second law accurately predicts changes in the motion of macroscopic objects
- HS-PS2-5: Science and Engineering Practice: Plan and conduct an investigation individually and collaboratively to produce data to serve as the basis for evidence
- CCSS.Math.Content.HSN.Q.A.1: Use units as a way to understand problems and to guide the solution of multi-step problems; choose and interpret units consistently in formulas
Required Materials
- “Where am I?” worksheet and instructions
- “Where am I?” planetary gravity table
- Object that can be dropped repeatedly (ball, plastic toy, etc)
- Meter stick
- Stopwatch/timer
- Optional extension: camera with slow-motion video
From the Text
01.245 Distance equals one-half acceleration times time squared. So acceleration equals two times distance over time squared. These formulas come easily to me. Second nature. I’m definitely skilled at physics. Good to know.
Extension Activity
- Extension Option 1: Try this activity somewhere with a greater drop height (balcony, bleachers, stairwell with no unsuspecting passersby) or use phones with slow-motion video to analyze the drop time.
- Extension Option 2: Challenge students to use the planetary gravity table to create their own “where am I?” mystery problems with simulated data for peers to solve.
Additional Resources
- Motion of Free Falling Object
- Parabolic Flights (how we can simulate microgravity, on Earth)