Learning objectives: Introduction to Rotational Dynamics beginning with the symbols used and rotational kinematic equations. We then stepped into Torque, defined. 

New Assignments: 

• Feel the Torque! This lab had students placing weights at various points on a meter stick and then holding the stick at predefined angles in order to calculate and feel the torque. 

The opening discussion was focused on the symbols used in Rotational Dynamics (defined in chapters 10.1 and 10.2 of the OpenStax text book. Of special interest was the comparison between linear kinematic equations an rotational kinematic equations (illustrated in on page 425). On the second day, we delved into Torque as a topic (described in chapter 9.2 in the text) first introducing the concept of a force being applied at a distance away from an axis of rotation, then doing a mini-lab “Feel the Torque” and finally walking over to the autoshop.. so students could use a Torque wrench to tighten a lug nut on an old truck to a pre-defined Torque specification. (we also watched some youtube clips of wheel standing drag racers) 

Learning Objectives

New Assignments: 

• Feel the Moment (of Inertia). Students considered the acceleration of an ordinary hammer about three different axis. For each axis, students were to consider the hammer (the handle and the ‘head’) as the Sum of geometric objects, each with its own, Moment of Inertia. The students are to both draw the shapes individually, and showing what the equation of Moment of Inertia is for each, and then show how the total Moment of Inertia is the ‘sum of the parts’.
• Video: Johannes Kepler  While Clark was out, students were to watch and take notes this short (30 min.) documentary on Kepler’s life and accomplishments. Students should focus their attention on how his upbringing, how he survived, the role that Tycho Brahe played in his life and his theories of planetary motion. What are the three Laws of motion which he finally determined?
• Homework set: Problems 1, 5, 7, 8 on page 275 and problems 3, 7, 8, 11 on pages 460-461 of the on-line text book.