Splat Lab 2008
Cadets Study and Calculate Gravitational Acceleration

by Ms. Katherine Gray
FMS Physics Instructor

     One of the most famous and fundamental physics experiments is the one Galileo Galilie performed from the tower of Pisa.  He dropped two objects of the same material but different masses to prove that mass did not affect the rate at which objects fell.  This experiment caused quite a hubbub in 16th century Europe because Galileo falsely connected this phenomenon with the fact that the earth rotates around the sun.

  This week Ms. Gray’s Advanced Physics class created their own hubbub at Fishburne by recreating this experiment.  Along with proving that objects of different masses fall at the same rate, we tried to measure experimentally the acceleration due to gravity.  To do this, we dropped many an egg and watermelon off the third stoop and measured how long it took each object to fall.  We have been studying constant acceleration motion for a few weeks and knew that change in position is equal to initial velocity times time plus one half acceleration times time squared.
 
     Using this equation and a list of available materials, each lab group wrote their own procedures to measure the acceleration due to gravity.  They engaged in an active discussion on the best ways to get accurate measurements and to record their data.  During the lab the students used many different methods to make sure that they were getting accurate time measurements, but by far the most exciting part of the lab was watching the eggs and watermelons go SPLAT!!

  Another highlight was Executive Officer McNamara playing the role of Galileo and dropping a cantaloupe and an egg at the same time.  The carnage was impressive as was the data.  One group got within 13% of the actual value of 9.8 m/s2, an impressive amount of accuracy to have achieved when relying on human reaction time for the data.

  This is just the first of many active learning experiences these students will complete throughout the year as we explore the physical properties of our universe.

Student Quotes:

“The experience of acting as Galileo really brought my barracks status up.  I am fully ready to assume the role as the new Galileo.” –L. McNamara

“The idea of being on the cutting edge of watermelon/egg science weighed heavily on my lab group” – L. McNamara

“I thought the lab was a lot of fun, I learned that if you drop a watermelon and an egg at the same time they will hit the ground together.” – A. Johnson

“This lab was amazing!  It was full of fun and adventure… and learning of course.” – E. McKay

“I thoroughly enjoyed the egg drop lab.  It was tough to get the timing perfect, but McKay and I did pretty well.  It was a great success and a breakthrough in Physics for me.” – P. Wolfe

“The lab was an insight into the mind of Galileo that assisted in an understanding of gravitational acceleration” – J. Holl

“I loved the experience.  It helped me become familiar with the law of gravitation and the formulas we used for the project.” – H. Pai

“The lab was fun.  We were able to learn and have fun at the same time!” – E. Curt

 See more pictures and watch the video