Concepts

Kinematics

Overview

A large scale ticker-tape demonstration. The instructor walks across the lecture hall with a flashing and buzzing helmet on his head whilst marking position.

Details

Equipment

• [1] Helmet with flasher
  
• [1] Metre stick
• [2] Bingo marker
• [1] Roll of masking tape
• [1] Roll of paper towel
• [1] Number line (-5 m to 5 m)
• Small magnets
• [1] Plastic meter stick

Classroom Assembly

1. Tape a different coloured bingo marker to either end of the metre stick.
2. Attach the number line to the blackboard with magnets.
3. Tape a strip of paper towel on the ground a metre from the blackboard.

Important Notes

• The demonstration requires a lack of concern for personal dignity to be performed successfully.

Script

1. Stand near the -2 or -3 meter mark.
2. Turn on the helmet.
3. Make a few practice taps on the paper towel with the marker, then start walking.
4. Tap the paper towel every time the helmet buzzes. Stop before the end of the towel.
5. Flip the meter stick over to use the other colour marker.
6. Reverse to a position different from the starting point. Again, tap the paper towel every time the helmet buzzes.
7. Mount the marked paper towel on the blackboard above the number line using small magnets.
8. Measure the positions of the dots on the towel and have the students record them on their worksheets. Practice beforehand to ensure that the time taken matches the times printed on the worksheet. See Neil's web pages for further information.

Additional Resources