Week 7 Reflection

Over last weekend, we were challenged to create a mobile that would hang from the ceiling that would represent our life in multiple ways. The task was to use actual physical objects, construct four levels, and make sure each level was balanced. Needless to say, this was difficult and took some time as there were not set instructions or rules to follow. The hardest part was starting the project because absolutely nothing balanced at first. I found that creating a plan on paper didn't help me in balancing the objects; instead I just had to start experimenting with different objects and where they were placed on the wooden dowel. I found that even heavier objects could be balanced on the dowel with lighter objects by adjusting where the items where on the level. By creating some leverage, I could control the balance despite the weight of the object. This took a lot of time, but I struck with it and ended up having an awesome (and balanced!) project. I learned to focus on the process of creating it, not its finished product.

This week in physics we focused more on creating force diagrams, relating weight and mass, and doing labs to figure out these relationships. We completed the mass vs. weight lab buy measuring forces of different masses by using a spring scale. We came to the conclusion that generally the greater the mass, the greater the force it exerts. In addition to this lab, we also did a a spring lab, in which we measured the forces of different distances of the spring as it stretched. We had data that supported that the larger the stretch distance, the greater the force. It was also learned that the greater the slope, the greater the stench of the spring. All of these labs worked around forces and their relationships with different things.

Today (Friday) we took our first assessment on this unit and I thought it went pretty well for me. The most difficult part for me is the fact that not much studying can be done at home to prepare for them. They're based on the labs you completed in class and what you learned from them. Yes, I reviewed my notes, but you truly had to be present, both physically and mentally, to understand the tasks at hand. When you get to the assessment, you either know it or you don't. But even with this new type of assessment that I'm starting to get a bit more familiar with, I'm doing my best and it most definitely shows in the grade book.

Here's to achieving and striving to learn more.
#TmPhys12