Contextualization

Theoretical Introduction

Physics is a discipline that helps us understand natural phenomena. From the movement of stars in the sky to subatomic particles, one of its main goals is to describe and explain the world around us. Among the concepts it deals with, change in position is one of the most fundamental.

Change in position is a crucial element of mechanics, which in turn can be defined as the study of motion and forces. In this sense, change in position is the displacement of an object from an initial point to another point along a trajectory. Analyzing this displacement, together with other factors such as elapsed time, allows us to understand important concepts like velocity and acceleration.

Understanding how to calculate change in position and relate it to other mechanics concepts is not only fundamental for physics, but also has practical applications in many areas of everyday life and other disciplines. In fact, this knowledge is essential for a variety of activities, including GPS navigation, vehicle design, and even video games.

Contextualization

In an increasingly technological world, understanding how objects move has become an essential skill. From manufacturing more efficient cars to designing more precise robots, knowledge about change in position and the physics laws that govern these movements is indispensable.

However, these concepts are also relevant in less obvious situations. Political decisions about public transportation, for example, can be better informed through an understanding of physics. The construction of infrastructures, such as roads and airports, also requires a deep knowledge of physical principles, including change in position.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "The Can Race"

Project Objective

This project aims to apply the knowledge of change in position in a practical context related to students' daily lives, while developing teamwork, communication, and time management skills.

Detailed Project Description

Students, in groups of 3 to 5, will design and build a circuit for the movement of cans, where the change in position of the can will be calculated and recorded.

Furthermore, in order to involve other disciplines and increase the relevance of the project, groups will be challenged to build their cans and circuits using only recycled materials. This will allow students to apply concepts from Geography and Sciences, discussing socio-environmental issues and non-renewable resources.

Required Materials

• Aluminum can (empty and clean)
• Marker
• Ruler, measuring tape, or other measuring device
• Various materials for circuit construction (cardboard boxes, old newspapers, plastic bottles, adhesive tape, etc.)
• Stopwatch
• Camera or cell phone for visual records

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution

1. Groups must design and build a circuit using recycled materials, where the can will move.

2. Next, the starting and ending points must be clearly marked on the circuit, as well as other intermediate points that will be used to measure the change in position of the can.

3. Students should then place the can at the starting point and record its movement along the circuit, using the stopwatch to measure the time it takes for the can to reach each marked point on the circuit.

4. Repeat the procedure several times, noting all times and varying the launching conditions of the can.

5. With the collected information, students must calculate the change in position of the can at each time interval, using the physics formulas related to change in position.

Project Deliverables

1. Written Report: After completing the activity, groups must prepare a report containing:

   1.1. Introduction: Description of the project, its relevance, and objectives.

   1.2. Development: Detailed explanation of the activity, describing the circuit, data collection methods, the formula used to calculate the change in position, and a discussion of the results.

   1.3. Conclusion: Analysis of the results in relation to the exercise's objective, lessons learned, and the connection of these learnings to the real world.

   1.4. Bibliography: Bibliographic references used in the project elaboration.

2. Oral Presentation: Each group must give an oral presentation of their project, addressing the main points of the written report and demonstrating the project in practice, showing the circuit and the can's movement.

3. Circuit Exhibition: The circuits must be displayed so that other students in the school can observe and learn.