AP Physics 2 Blog #6: Why Study Kinematics?

Hello, Physics Pholks!  

Since you've been practicing some kinematic calculations, it seems like the prime time to think about why and how kinematics might be useful in the real world.

Your task:  
1) What is "Kinematics"? Define this field of physics.

2) Choose three of the following articles/links to read.  Write a brief summary of how physics is involved in each real-world application of kinematics.  

Articles/Links/Videos:  Choose 3

Option 1:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhCR0UbW13Y

Option 2:  http://www.physicscentral.com/explore/action/crashreconstruction.cfm

Option 3:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tCajbgJgpI

Option 4:  http://www.iri.upc.edu/research/kinematics

Option 5:  http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/cyborg-beetles/

                 http://www.nbcnews.com/id/31906641/ns/technology_and_science-science/t/military-developing-robot-insect-cyborgs/#.VJO1icPAc

Option 7:  http://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2005/03/24_octopus.shtml

Option 8:  http://www.wired.com/2012/09/the-physics-of-nike-hyperdunk-2/
Option 9: http://www.wired.com/2012/05/the-physics-of-the-hulks-jump/

Option 10:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaCGdBfcoMo

Option 11:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vN57XseOpw

Option 12:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhCR0UbW13Y 

Option 13:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BOUohniyJU

AP Physics 1 Blog Post 3: Adventures in Acceleration

You just had the opportunity to watch several incredible experiments testing the limits of the human body, among other things. 

For your 3rd blog post:
1)  Write a summary of the videos that answers the following questions:

• Who were the three scientists/researchers/adventurers portrayed in the videos?  
• What were the (research) goals of each individual?  
• What contributions did each individual make to our lives, or science in general?  
• What do these three individuals have in common?
• Why should we know about them?!
• What is the human threshold (limit) for acceleration?

2)  Reflect on this type of research/experience:

• How do you feel about this research?  Do you think it was ethical?  
• Do you think that research similar to this would be allowed today?  Why or why not?
• Would you be willing or interested in participating in research studies conducted on yourself?  Why or why not?  
• What restrictions should we have on conducting research on human subjects?  Explain.

DUE:  Because you will have time to work on this in class on Tuesday, this blog post is due by MIDNIGHT on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26. 


NOTE:  If you missed the videos, you can open the links below to view them on your own.

Video 1:  Col John Stapp Takes a Lot of G’s

Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4tuvOer_GI

Video 2:  Manned Rocket Sled Run

Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UEYxf4fl_A

Video 3:  Kittinger, 1960 – The Man Who Fell From Space

            Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRxaxNG2XoY

Video 4:  Felix Baumgartner - Headcam footage 128k ft space jump HD1080p

            Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDdFlhzNq8o

AP PHYSICS 1 - BLOG POST #2: Why study kinematics...why does it matter?

Hello, my wonderful AP freshmen!  Kudos on your amazing posts for Blog #1--you are nothing short of amazing and inspirational--thank you for your very thoughtful responses.  

Blog Post #2:  (Due Thursday, September 10)
Please answer the following questions:

• Why should we study kinematics?  
• Why should motion (and the ability to analyze motion) matter to YOU?  
• Please provide at least 3 specific examples of why we are spending our first month of physics studying this topic.