Lesson Plans

Does a Bullet Really Go Straight?

Subject: Physics - Grade Levels: 11-12

Objective

Student will have an understanding that the path of a projectile is curved. They will understand and know the meaning of the term trajectory and how it is applied to a fired projectile. Student will also review Newton’s Third Law of Motion and it’s application and how these principles apply on the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA.

Materials

• #36 Why do bodies move? Newton’s Third Law of Motion handout from Physics, Course 1, Mechanics Textbook, Copyright, 1943
  

Activities/Procedures

Student will read handout and answer questions.

Optional- Students can write an informational report on how trajectory was determined prior to firing the big guns on board the Battleship North Carolina. Using charts, graphs, and overhead projector, students can explain the path of a projectile and Newton’s Third Law of Motion. Students working in-groups could also demonstrate to the class by experiments, how these principles are applied in real everyday life.

Assessment

Teacher evaluation of Check Up questions and students self assessment. Teacher evaluation of informational report and student's presentation to the class.