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Shaking Jar: The Universe in Motion

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Lesson Plan

Shaking Jar: The Universe in Motion

Students will be able to explain the principles of momentum and energy transfer as observed in a shaking jar experiment and relate these concepts to real-world phenomena.

Understanding the physics behind seemingly simple observations helps students develop critical thinking skills and see science in everyday life. This lesson provides a tangible model for abstract concepts.

Audience

12th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Hands-on demonstration and guided discussion

Materials

  • Shaking Jar Slide Deck, - A clear jar with a lid, and - Various small objects (e.g., beads, rice, small pebbles, sand)

Prep

Preparation Steps

15 minutes

  • Review the Shaking Jar Slide Deck and customize as needed.
  • Gather a clear jar with a lid and a selection of small objects (e.g., beads, rice, small pebbles, sand).
  • Ensure the objects are distinct enough to observe their movement.
  • Test the shaking jar demonstration to familiarize yourself with the expected outcomes.
  • Print or prepare for digital distribution the Shaking Jar Discussion Guide for student groups.

Step 1

Introduction & Hook (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Begin with a captivating question related to observable physics in everyday life.
  • Introduce the concept of a "shaking jar" and its potential to reveal fundamental physics principles.
  • Show Shaking Jar Slide Deck - Slide 1.

Step 2

The Shaking Jar Experiment (10 minutes)

10 minutes

Step 3

Exploring Physics Concepts (10 minutes)

10 minutes

Step 4

Wrap-up & Real-World Connections (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Bring the class back together to share group insights.
  • Discuss real-world examples where these principles are at play (e.g., avalanches, sediment transport, industrial mixing).
  • Use the Shaking Jar Cool Down to assess understanding.
  • Show Shaking Jar Slide Deck - Slide 6.
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Slide Deck

Shaking Jar: The Universe in Motion

What invisible forces shape our world, even in a simple shake?

Welcome students and immediately grab their attention with a thought-provoking question that connects to their everyday experiences. Introduce the idea that even simple observations can hide complex science.

The Shaking Jar Experiment

Let's explore! What happens when we shake a jar filled with different sized objects?

Introduce the shaking jar experiment. Show the materials you'll be using. Ask students to predict what they think will happen when the jar is shaken with different contents.

What Do You Observe?

Watch closely! What patterns do you notice?
Do all objects move in the same way?
Do they separate or mix together?

Guide students to observe closely. What do they see? How do the different items move? Do they separate or mix? Encourage them to share their initial observations before diving into explanations.

Physics in Motion: Momentum & Energy

Every shake transfers energy.
Momentum: Mass in motion.
How do these principles explain what we just saw?

Explain the concepts of momentum and energy transfer using the shaking jar as a concrete example. Discuss how the shaking motion imparts energy to the particles, leading to their movement and interactions.

Granular Flow: A State of Its Own?

Why do granular materials sometimes act like liquids?
Exploring the unique 'state' of moving particles.

Introduce the concept of granular flow and how it relates to states of matter. Discuss how the particles behave somewhat like a liquid, even though they are solids, due to the constant motion.

Real-World Shakes

From avalanches to industrial mixers, where else do we see these shaking principles at play?

Bring it all together by discussing real-world applications. Ask students to brainstorm where they might see these principles outside of the classroom. Conclude by reinforcing the idea that physics is all around us.

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Discussion

Shaking Jar Discussion Guide

Instructions: In your groups, discuss the following questions, connecting your observations from the shaking jar experiment to the scientific principles we've discussed.

Part 1: Initial Observations & Predictions

  1. Describe what you observed happening inside the jar when it was shaken. Were there any surprising movements or patterns?












  2. If you used different-sized objects, did they behave differently? How so?





  3. What do you think is causing the objects to move in the way that they do?











Part 2: Connecting to Physics Principles

  1. How does the concept of momentum apply to the individual objects within the shaking jar? Think about their mass and how quickly they move.












  2. Where do you see energy transfer happening in the shaking jar? How does the energy from your hand transfer to the objects?











  3. The term "granular flow" describes how collections of solid particles can sometimes behave like fluids. What observations from the shaking jar support this idea?












Part 3: Real-World Applications

  1. Can you think of any real-world examples (outside of the classroom) where the principles of shaking, momentum, or granular flow are important?












  2. How might understanding these principles be useful in fields like engineering, geology, or manufacturing?












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Cool Down

Shaking Jar Cool Down

Instructions: Please answer the following questions to reflect on today's lesson.

  1. In your own words, briefly explain one way the "shaking jar" demonstration helped you understand momentum or energy transfer.






  2. Name one real-world example where the principles we discussed about the shaking jar (like granular flow or particle movement) might be important.






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