The Physics Classroom » Lesson Plans » Algebra Based On-Level Physics » Momentum and Collisions

Momentum and Collisions - Lesson Plans

The lesson plans below include links to the specific resources on our website.

Teacher Guides for labs can be found here.

NOTE: All CalcPad problem sets are customized problem sets created specifically for this course. The links direct users to the Guest version. Task Tracker users should use the link on the Task Tracker page to the trackable CalcPad version.  

Day 1 of Momentum and Collisions

Lesson Plan
  1. Introduce unit
    Discuss momentum (definition, examples, equation, units, vector)
    Discuss impulse (definition, equation, units; impulse-momentum change equation)
  2. Lab 1 - Balloon Toss Lab
 
Homework/Announcements
  1. Reading: Physics Classroom Tutorial, Momentum and Its Conservation: Lesson 1, Parts a and b
  2. Minds On Physics: Mission MC1 on Momentum



 

Day 2 of Momentum and Collisions

Lesson Plan
  1. Review; discuss impulse-momentum change theorem
  2. Pair Practice: Momentum, Impulse, and Momentum Change Think Sheet
  3. Applications of Impulse = ∆Momentum; use Controlling a Collision Think Sheet (selected Qs)
  4. Concept Builder: Impulse-Momentum Change Table (Apprentice Level)
 
Homework/Announcements
  1. Reading: Physics Classroom Tutorial, Momentum and Its Conservation: Lesson 1, Part c
  2. Concept Builder: Impulse-Momentum Change Table (Master Level)


 

Day 3 of Momentum and Collisions

Lesson Plan
  1. Complete Controlling a Collision Think Sheet
  2. Concept Builder: Case Studies - Impulse and Force
  3. Lab 2: Rebounding vs. Sticking
 
Homework/Announcements
  1. Concept Builder: Being Impulsive About Momentum



 

Day 4 of Momentum and Collisions

Lesson Plan
  1. Lab 3: Action-Reaction
    Do, post-lab and complete
  2. Discuss ∆p1 = ∆p2; the Law of Momentum Conservation
  3. Pair Practice: Action-Reaction and Momentum Conservation Think Sheet; Q#1-11
 
Homework/Announcements
  1. Reading: Physics Classroom Tutorial, Momentum and Its Conservation: Lesson 2, Parts a-c
  2. Minds On Physics: Mission MC4 on Force, Impulse, and Momentum Change




 

Day 5 of Momentum and Collisions

Lesson Plan
  1. Review; complete Action-Reaction and Momentum Conservation Think Sheet
  2. Physics Interactives: Exploding Carts Simulation with Student Activity Sheet
    Do, post-lab, and complete Concept Checker
 
Homework/Announcements
  1. Reading: Physics Classroom Tutorial, Momentum and Its Conservation: Lesson 2, Part d
  2. Concept Builder: Explosions - Law Enforcement (Master Level)
  3. Minds On Physics: Mission MC5 on Momentum Conservation




 

Day 6 of Momentum and Collisions

Lesson Plan
  1. Lab 4 - Before and After
  2. Discuss collision analysis and momentum conservation law; use Collision Analysis Think Sheet (selected Qs)
  3. Concept Builder: Hit and Stick Collisions - Law Enforcement
 
Homework/Announcements
  1. CalcPad - Momentum and Collisions 1 on Collision Analysis




 

Day 7 of Momentum and Collisions

Lesson Plan
  1. Collision Analysis Think Sheet (selected Qs)
  2. Physics Interactives: Collision Carts with Student Activity Sheet (Hit and Stick Collisions)
    Do, post-lab, and complete Concept Checker
  3. If time allows, start CalcPad - Momentum and Collisions 2 on Collision Analysis
 
Homework/Announcements
  1. Reading: Physics Classroom Tutorial, Momentum and Its Conservation: Lesson 2, Part e
  2. CalcPad - Momentum and Collisions 2 on Collision Analysis




 

Day 8 of Momentum and Collisions

Lesson Plan
  1. Physics Interactives: Collision Carts with Student Activity Sheet (Hit and Bounce Collisions)
    Do, post-lab, and complete Concept Checker
  2. Physics Interactives: Fish Catch with Student Activity Sheet
    Do, post-lab, and complete Concept Checker
  3. If time allows, start CalcPad - Momentum and Collisions 3 on Collision Analysis
 
Homework/Announcements
  1. CalcPad - Momentum and Collisions 3 on Collision Analysis
  2. Minds On Physics: Mission MC10 on Momentum and Proportional Reasoning




 

Day 9 of Momentum and Collisions

Lesson Plan
  1. Discuss hit-and-stick collisions and proportional reasoning; use Momentum Conservation as a Guide to Thinking Think Sheet
  2. Lab 5: Inelastic Collision Analysis Lab
 
Homework/Announcements
  1. CalcPad - Momentum and Collisions 4 on Collision Analysis




 

Day 10 of Momentum and Collisions

Lesson Plan
Review day: this is a chance for students to process ideas, work independently or together, and prepare for exam. Suggested online review activities include:
  1. Concept Builder: Momentum
  2. Concept Builder: Keeping Track of Momentum - Hit and Stick Collisions
  3. Concept Builder: Keeping Track of Momentum - Hit and Bounce Collisions
  4. Minds On Physics: Mission MC2 on Impulse and Momentum Change
  5. Minds On Physics: Mission MC3 on Impulse-Momentum Change Variables
  6. CalcPad - Momentum and Collisions 5 - a Unit Review
  7. The Review Session: Momentum and Collisions
NOTE: The above assignments are intended as optional review assignments and not required assignments.
 
Homework/Announcements
  1. Prepare for Tomorrow's Test
  2. Complete all unfinished work