Technology Integration Lesson Plan
By Ray Gonzales

Focus: Students will investigate the law of conservation of linear momentum.

CONTENT AREA: Science

GRADE LEVEL: 11, 12

TOPIC: Physics, conservation of linear momentum

CONTENT OBJECTIVE(S):

SUBJECT AREA TEKS:
§112.47. Physics.

(c)  Knowledge and skills.

    (1) Scientific processes. The student, for at least 40% of instructional time, conducts field and laboratory investigations

    (2) Scientific processes. The student uses scientific methods during field and laboratory investigations.
        The student is expected to:

    (3) Scientific processes. The student uses critical  thinking and scientific problem solving to make informed decisions. The student is expected to:

    (4) Science concepts. The student knows the laws   governing motion. The student is expected to:

    (5) Science concepts. The student knows that changes occur within a physical system and recognizes that energy and momentum are conserved. The student is expected to:

TECHNOLOGY TEKS:
Using internet technology and java applets

RESOURCES/MATERIALS:

    1. Internet (computer lab or library)
LESSON PROCEDURE: Students will get online and go to the Physics Class Web site. From there, they will click on the 3rd 6 weeks link and then click on the Collision Demo link. Follow the instructions on the simulation. Change mass and initial velocity. See if you can calculate final velocities. Change coefficient of restitution ( eta ). See what happens. Change the frame of reference. Is momentum conserved?

INTERNET RESOURCES (HOT LIST OF RELEVANT SITES):
 Physics Links
Conservation of momentum

ASSESSMENT:

    1. Did the student have accurate information?
    2. Did the student have enough information?
    3. Did the student analyze the information?
    4. Did the student create an accurate and interesting end product?
    5. Did the student have appropriate documentation?