Lesson Plan | Technical Methodology | Dynamics: Traction Force
| Keywords | Tension Force, Ropes, Calculation, Dynamics, Civil Engineering, Bridge Construction, Pulley Systems, Practical Problems, Job Market, Practical Skills, Critical Thinking |
| Required Materials | Ropes, Pulleys, Weights or Heavy Objects, Supports to Fix Pulleys, Dynamometer, Pulley System Diagram, Video on Bridge Construction |
Objectives
Duration: 10 - 15 minutes
The purpose of this stage is to ensure that students understand the fundamental concepts of tension force and apply this knowledge in calculations and problem-solving. This way, they will develop essential practical skills relevant to the job market, where the ability to solve problems and apply theories in real contexts is highly valued.
Main Objectives
1. Understand that tension force is the force exerted by a cable, rope, chain, or any other type of 'connection' that is under tension.
2. Calculate the value of the tension force in different practical scenarios.
3. Solve practical problems that require the calculation of tension force.
Side Objectives
- Promote the ability to work in teams to solve physics problems.
- Develop critical thinking skills by applying theoretical concepts to practical situations.
Introduction
Duration: 10 - 15 minutes
The purpose of this stage is to attract students' attention to the practical importance of tension force and connect it to real situations, sparking their interest and curiosity. This prepares the ground for deeper understanding and practical application of the concepts that will be explored throughout the lesson.
Contextualization
Tension force is a fundamental concept in Physics, often observed in our daily lives. Imagine an elevator going up and down in a building; all this movement is possible thanks to the tension force exerted by the steel cables. Understanding how this force works helps ensure the safety and efficiency of many mechanical systems that we use daily.
Curiosities and Market Connection
Did you know that tension force is essential in civil engineering and the construction of suspension bridges? Engineers need to accurately calculate the tension force that the cables must support to ensure the stability and safety of the structure. In addition, in the automotive sector, tension force is crucial for the functioning of braking and acceleration systems in vehicles.
Initial Activity
Provocative question: 'What would happen if the tension force in the cables of an elevator was poorly calculated?' Short video: Show a 3-minute video demonstrating the construction of a suspension bridge and the importance of tension calculations in the cables (available on YouTube).
Development
Duration: 45 - 55 minutes
The purpose of this stage is to provide a practical and applied understanding of tension force, allowing students to directly experience the concepts studied. By building a pulley system and solving practical problems, students develop analytical skills and apply theory in real contexts, better preparing them to face challenges in the job market.
Covered Topics
- Definition of tension force.
- Application of tension force in different contexts.
- Calculation of tension force using Newton's second law.
- Problem-solving involving tension force.
Reflections on the Theme
Guide students to reflect on how tension force is fundamental for the safety and efficiency of various structures and mechanical systems. Question how everyday life would be affected if tension calculations were not carried out correctly, encouraging them to think about the practical importance of this concept in engineering and applied physics.
Mini Challenge
Building a Pulley System
Students will build a pulley system to understand how tension force is distributed at different points. They will use simple materials like ropes, pulleys, and weights to simulate a real-life application scenario of tension force.
Instructions
- Divide students into groups of 4 to 5 people.
- Distribute the necessary materials: ropes, pulleys, weights (or objects that can serve as weights), and supports to fix the pulleys.
- Instruct the students to assemble a simple pulley system with at least two pulleys, according to a provided diagram.
- Ask students to measure the force needed to lift the weights using a dynamometer.
- Guide students to record the results and compare the measured force with the theoretical calculations of tension force.
- Facilitate discussion on how the pulley system modifies tension force and how this can be applied in real situations, such as in construction and load handling.
Objective: Understand the distribution of tension force in a pulley system and how this can be applied in practical situations.
Duration: 25 - 30 minutes
Evaluation Exercises
- Calculate the tension force in a rope pulling an object of 10 kg on a frictionless horizontal plane.
- An elevator of 500 kg is suspended by a cable. Calculate the tension force in the cable when the elevator is moving uniformly upwards.
- Solve a problem where an object of 20 kg is lifted by a pulley system with an applied force of 50 N. What is the tension force in each segment of the rope?
Conclusion
Duration: 10 - 15 minutes
The purpose of this stage is to consolidate student learning, reinforcing the main concepts and showing the practical relevance of what has been studied. Through discussion and reflection, students are encouraged to internalize the content and recognize the importance of tension force in real situations, better preparing them for future challenges.
Discussion
Promote an open discussion with students about the importance of tension force in daily life and its practical applications. Question how the practical activity with the pulleys helped to better understand the concept and ask for examples of other situations where tension force is relevant. Encourage students to reflect on the challenges faced during the activity and how they solved the problems encountered.
Summary
Summarize the main content presented in the lesson, highlighting the definition of tension force, the calculations made, and the practical applications explored. Reinforce the importance of understanding how tension force acts in different scenarios and how the theoretical concepts were applied in practice during the construction of the pulley system.
Closing
Explain how the lesson connected theory with practice, showing that the concepts studied in physics have direct applications in various areas such as civil engineering, automotive, and mechanical systems safety. Emphasize the importance of mastering these concepts to solve real problems and ensure efficiency and safety in various everyday situations.
