Task 27

Materials and tools for a working group:

materials and tools proposed by pupils

To move a heavier object, it is necessary to exert more force, which is then reflected in the fact that the object has more momentum and it is more difficult to stop it. Due to the age of the pupils it is not possible (or necessary) to solve the difference between the movement of the object and its momentum, but pupils can examine the manifestation of the momentum of the object. The task is focused on exploring the manifestation of momentum when trying to stop objects of varying weight. 

The teacher will present the research question by discussing the experiences of pupils with various damages caused by dropping or slipping objects. The discussion leads to the question: Will the heavier object ever cause more damage, or can the lighter object cause more damage? The taskis open-minded, meaning that the taskis a priority for developing competence to examine phenomena in a sufficiently objective manner, i. so that we can trust the result. Therefore, it is the task of the pupils to propose an examination procedure. Pupils make suggestions in groups and then present them to other groups.

It is interesting to encourage pupils to actively seek out the potential problems of the proposed procedures in order to find a procedure that would certainly work and be feasible in school conditions. The teacher also enters the discussion, especially if he sees that the procedure does not have the characteristics of a precise examination. However, he does not directly criticize the pupils‘ suggestions, but rather leads the pupils to discuss how they would deal with the problems he sees when they appear during the investigation. For example, it leads a discussion on how to measure which of the moving objects is heavier, which moves faster (or how to ensure that they move equally) and which causes more damage. They will try to implement the selected process and, based on the data obtained (if credible), will conclude the investigation. Suggestions for changes to the review process may also be included.