The major goal of this lesson is to collect data from a variety of experiments, determine what type of model best fits the data, and explain why. Students explore a variety of relationships using pennies, pressure, temperature, light, and pendulums to determine the algebraic equation that best represents the pattern modeled by the variables involved in each situation.

The major goal of this lesson is to collect data from a variety of experiments, determine what type of model best fits the data, and explain why. Students explore a variety of relationships using pennies, pressure, temperature, light, and pendulums to determine the algebraic equation that best represents the pattern modeled by the variables involved in each situation. The lesson begins with a review of the cooling curve and a discussion of the algebraic model that best represents those data. The students are then assigned five experiments: (1) distance and the number of pennies that can be balanced on the overhanging end of a ruler, (2) pressure and volume, (3) distance and light intensity, (4) mass and distance from the center in a see-saw situation, and (5) what determines the period of a pendulum. In addition to the lesson plan, the site includes ideas for assessment, teacher discussion, extensions of the lesson, additional resources, and a discussion of the mathematical content. This lesson is accompanied by video clips illustrating lesson procedures. Two of the five experiments are discussed in the video, but all five are included in the written lesson guide. The user should first locate the Pennies, Pressure, Temperature, and Light lesson and then access the appropriate video clips at the PBS TeacherSource website. The video player necessary to view the video clips can be downloaded for free from the site. (author/pk)

This lesson offers an excellent way for students to demonstrate how the laws of physics relate to specific career pathways. Students work in groups, solve the given problem, and explain how the factors relate to their specific career-technical field.

This lesson offers an excellent way for students to demonstrate how the laws of physics relate to specific career pathways. Students work in groups, solve the given problem, and explain how the factors relate to their specific career-technical field. Newton's Law of Cooling applies to the measurement of the basic thermal properties in polymers, as well as in the fields of Transportation and Manufacturing Technologies. Boyle's Law is needed when studying hydraulics and pneumatics in the Engineering and Science Technologies career field. Boyle's Law can also be applied in problems of heat transfer and the harnessing of unused heat energy.