Traditional Physics Cinema Project, due at 7:53am on Wednesday, Jan 9, 2013 (7min bell)

Purpose: in groups of 3-4, analyze the physics of a movie scene  

Procedure:

1. Think of a single problem to solve which:

a)      has cause and effect involved.  This means that in order to solve your chosen problem, you must first solve something else. No fair calculating several unrelated things!  :-o  The first action must directly cause the next.

b)      has at least two concepts in its solution. 

For example, the movie Road Trip shows a car jumping a ravine and landing on the other side.  Your problem might be:  “Would a passenger of the car break a leg?”  To determine if the person broke a leg you would need to:

                    a)      first: use the TNEOM to solve for the speed of the car at the far side of the ravine

(which is the same as the passenger’s speed)

                    b)     then: use an energy calculation to find the force of the collision. 

                    c)      Finally: compare that force to the force needed to break a bone, data found from

            internet research.

2. Use the movie to take data regarding distances, times, velocities, angles, or whatever you might need to solve the problem.  Do not make up data!  You must include a statement explaining the origins of every number you use.

3. You will be presenting your solutions to the class the Wednesday before final exams.  Plan to have the following ready:

a)      DVD or flash stick with scene. 

b)     a colorful, interesting poster which:

                                                              i.      Names the movie

                                                            ii.      Shows the scene you are using

                                                          iii.      States the question you are answering, using a dozen words or less

                                                          iv.      Connects the concepts and equations to when they are being used in the scene.  (Please do not make this a list of equations.)

                                                            v.      Answers the question!

c)      a typed explanation of how you solved your problem, including all equations, substitutions and solutions as well as explanatory sentences, pictures and diagrams.  If you are in Word, learn to use subscripts and superscripts and Greek letters (for example, to get delta D, type D and change its font to Symbol).  The report will be handed in to your instructor before school the day of presentations, so keep a copy for yourself if you need one!

d)     a well organized, entertaining presentation to the class during which you avoid numbers as much as possible (except for the final answer).  All group members must present a significant portion of the project.  You may NOT use the board.  

The grading rubric:

                                    Traditional Cinema Project Problems (30 pts)

Presentation expectations:

* video clip of scene is shown (DVD or on flash stick)

*All members present part of project

* Visual aid is clear, colorful, and explains concepts being used

* Visual aid states question being asked and answer

* Visual aid has scene depicted

Written report expectations:

*Physics analysis

*Formulas with letters only are shown before numbers are put in

* Project has a minimum of two concepts

* Two movie actions are linked together.

* The problem is solved and a clear answer is offered.

penalties for:  

·         having multiple questions instead of a single question

·         incorrect physics

·         missing parts to presentation or report

·         parts of report not typed

·         presentation filled with numbers instead of conceptual explanations with a final numerical answer

·         other