aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	Physics
What age group	Year or Grade 11
What topic	Projectiles
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Lesson Introduction: Exploring Projectiles

Hook: The Great Kiwi Catapult Challenge

Objective:

Engage students’ curiosity about projectiles and stimulate their critical thinking skills through a hands-on activity that is both fun and educational.

Materials Needed:

• Small plastic balls or bean bags
• Wooden planks or flexible rulers (to create makeshift catapults)
• Measuring tape
• Protractors
• Markers
• Paper for brainstorming ideas

Introduction:

Welcome, Year 11 Physics students! Today, we’re about to embark on an exciting journey into the world of projectiles. But before we dive into theories and equations, let’s experience projectile motion firsthand through a creative challenge!

Activity Overview:

In pairs, you will design and construct a simple catapult using the materials provided. Your task is to launch your projectile (the small ball or bean bag) at various angles and distances, recording the results of each launch.

Here’s how we’ll break it down:

1. Design Phase (15 minutes):

   • Work in pairs to sketch and build a catapult using the available materials. Consider how the angle of launch might affect your projectile's distance.

2. Launch Phase (20 minutes):

   • Test your catapult by launching your projectile at different angles (30°, 45°, and 60°). Use measuring tape to determine how far it travels each time.
   • Record your results for each launch, including the angle and distance.

3. Discussion Phase (10 minutes):

   • Gather as a class to discuss your findings. Were there specific angles that resulted in better distances? Why do you think that is?

Connection to Learning:

This challenge will introduce you to key concepts of projectile motion, including trajectory, launch angle, and distance traveled. We will then connect your observations to the mathematical equations that govern these phenomena.

Wrap-Up:

By the end of the lesson, not only will you have a deeper understanding of how projectiles behave, but you’ll also have experienced the thrill of hands-on physics. Remember, physics isn’t just about numbers and formulas; it’s about understanding the world around us!

Ready to launch? Let's get started! 🚀