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 Rotational Equilibrium: A Question of Balance
 Lesson Focus - Demonstrate the concept of rotational equilibrium.
Lesson Synopsis - The Rotational Equilibrium activity encourages students to explore the basic concepts of rotational equilibrium. Students work in teams to estimate and determine the force within a mobile design, then groups compare results and discuss findings.
Age Levels - 11-18.
Objectives
Learn about the basic concepts of rotational equilibrium.
Solve simple algebraic manipulations.
Apply graphing techniques.
Learn to make predictions and draw conclusions.
Learn about teamwork and working in groups.
Lesson Activities - Students build and test a mobile to explore the principals of rotational equilibrium. Students make predictions about the force on each of three levels of the mobile, work in teams to construct and test their predictions, analyze results and compare team results with those of the class. Designing the mobile requires the students to solve a set of two linear algebraic equations. Students solve the equations using three different methods: by substitution, by graphing the equations and finding the intersection, and by using determinants.
Anticipated Learner Outcomes - As a result of this activity, students should develop an understanding of:
rotational equilibrium
basic algebraic equations
graphing
making and testing predictions
teamwork
Resources/Materials
Teacher Resource Documents (included in PDF)
Student Handouts (included in PDF)
Materials (described in detail in PDF)
Alignment to Curriculum Frameworks
Curriculum alignment sheet is included in PDF.
Internet Connections
Alexander Calder Foundation
IEEE Teacher In-Service Program
IEEE Virtual Museum
International Technology Education Association Standards for Technological Literacy
McREL Compendium of Standards and Benchmarks - a compilation of content
standards for K-12 curriculum in both searchable and browsable formats.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Principals and Standards
for School Mathematics
National Gallery of Art - Online Alexander Calder Exhibit
National Science Education Standards
Recommended Reading
3,000 Solved Problems in Physics by Alvin Halpern
(McGraw-Hill Trade, ISBN: 0070257345)
Alexander Calder and His Magical Mobiles by Jean Lipman and Margaret Aspinwall
(Hudson Hills Press, ISBN: 0933920172)
Exploring the Fine Art of Mobiles by Timothy Rose
(Chronicle Books LLC, ISBN: 0811825639)
The Essential Alexander Calder by Howard Greenfeld
(Harry N Abrams, ISBN: 0810958341)
References
Ralph D. Painter
Florida's West Coast USA Section of IEEE
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