Subject: Motion and forces

Grade Level: Grade 9

Objective:
1. Describe the horizontal and vertical motions of a projectile.
2. Investigate the relationship between the angle of release and the height and range
of the projectile.

Learning within the curriculum:

1. Kinematics: Understanding speed, velocity, and acceleration as foundational
concepts that describe motion, which is crucial for analyzing projectile motion.
2. Newton's Laws of Motion: Applying Newton's laws to explain how forces affect the
motion of objects, particularly how gravity influences projectiles during their flight.

Learning across the curriculum:

1. Mathematics: Utilizing quadratic equations to calculate the trajectory of projectiles,
reinforcing the connection between physics and math.
2. Physical Education: Understanding the principles of projectile motion can enhance
skills in sports such as basketball or volleyball, where angles of release are critical.

Review Motivation:
Teaching Strategy: Interactive/Integrated Learning
Instructional Materials: Chart paper, markers, measuring tape
Energizer 1: "Angle of Release Challenge"
Students will use measuring tape to measure different angles of release using a
protractor and launch small paper projectiles. They will predict which angle will
achieve the greatest distance.
Energizer 2: "Human Projectile"
In an open area, students will mimic projectile motion by walking in a parabolic path,
emphasizing horizontal and vertical motions. This activity requires no materials and
promotes physical engagement.

Activities
Activity 1: Analyzing Projectile Motion
Teaching Strategy: Discovery Learning
Materials: Protractor, small balls (like ping pong balls), measuring tape, stopwatch
Significance: This activity allows students to explore the relationship between
launch angles and projectile motion through hands-on experimentation.

Instructions:
1. Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a protractor, balls,
and measuring tape.
2. Each group will launch the ball at different angles (15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 75°) and
measure the distance traveled.
3. Record the distances and analyze the data to determine the optimal angle for
maximum distance.

Rubrics:
- Data collection accuracy: 10 pts.
- Group collaboration and discussion: 10 pts.
- Analysis of results (conclusion): 10 pts.

Assessment Questions:
1. What angle produced the greatest distance?
2. How did the horizontal and vertical motions differ at various angles?
3. Why is the angle of release important in projectile motion?
Activity 2: Theoretical Exploration of Trajectories
Teaching Strategy: Cooperative Learning
Materials: none
Significance: This activity encourages critical thinking and peer collaboration to
understand the theoretical aspects of projectile motion.

Instructions:
1. Students will form pairs and take turns explaining the concepts of horizontal and
vertical motion to each other.
2. Each pair will discuss how changing the angle of release affects the trajectory and
range of a projectile, referencing their earlier findings.
3. Students will present their conclusions to the class, fostering a collaborative
learning environment.

Rubrics:
- Clarity of explanation: 10 pts.
- Engagement in discussion: 10 pts.
- Presentation skills: 10 pts.

Assessment Questions:
1. How does the angle of release affect the height of a projectile?
2. What is the relationship between the angle of release and the range?
3. How do horizontal and vertical motions interact in projectile motion?

Analysis:
Activity 1 - Students engaged in hands-on experimentation, which allowed them to
observe the effects of varying angles on projectile motion. This direct interaction with
the concept reinforced the objective of understanding the relationship between angle
and distance.
Activity 2 - The cooperative learning approach facilitated peer teaching, enhancing
understanding through discussion and explanation. This activity connected to the
main objective by emphasizing the theoretical implications of their experimental
findings.

Abstraction:
Understanding projectile motion requires recognizing the interplay between
horizontal and vertical forces, which can be influenced by the angle of release.
Students can deepen their understanding by exploring concepts such as velocity and
acceleration in relation to projectile paths. Additionally, recognizing patterns in
motion can help students predict outcomes in various scenarios.

Application:
Teaching Strategy: Problem-Based Learning
1. Task: Students will design a simple catapult using everyday materials to launch a
projectile. They will test different angles of release and record the results.
2. Task: Students will create a poster that visually represents the projectile motion
equations and their applications in real-life scenarios (e.g., sports, engineering).
Discussion: Students will share their findings and discuss how the principles of
projectile motion apply to various fields and everyday activities.

Assessment:
Teaching Strategy: Formative Assessment

Questions:
1. Describe what happens to a projectile's vertical motion as it rises and falls.
2. How does gravity affect the path of a projectile?
3. What factors must be considered when launching a projectile at different angles?

For Higher Order Thinking Skills:

Questions:
1. How would you design an experiment to test the effects of air resistance on
projectile motion?
2. What real-world applications can you identify that rely on understanding projectile
motion?
3. If you were to change the mass of the projectile, how would that affect its motion?

Answers:
1. An experiment could involve launching projectiles of varying shapes and masses
to observe differences in distance traveled.
2. Applications include sports, missile technology, and amusement park ride designs,
all of which utilize projectile motion principles.
3. Changing the mass may alter the distance traveled, but the angle of release
remains a critical factor in determining the trajectory.

Assignment:
1. Students will write a one-page reflection on how understanding projectile motion
can enhance their performance in a sport of their choice, incorporating specific
examples of angles of release and trajectory.