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Science Launch G3 / Week 02 / Launch Lab
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Week 02 · Motion Patterns

Launch Lab

Launch Lab: Pendulum Race
// Swings that repeat
⏱ about 15 min

Launch Lab: Pendulum Race

Rocket hangs two pendulums side by side from a broom handle. One string is long. One is short.

"Let's race them!" he says.

Raven holds both washers out to the side. "What do you notice when we let go together?"

Nova counts down. "Three, two, one," she says. "Watch which one comes back first."

  1. A pattern repeats in a way you can predict.
  2. A pendulum is a weight that swings back and forth.
  3. Shorter pendulums swing faster. Extra weight at the bottom does not change the speed.
  4. Pendulum clocks count steady swings to measure time.
◇ PENDULUM RACE
A grown-up lays a broom handle across the backs of two chairs.
Tie one washer to a long string. Tie another washer to a short string.
Tape both strings to the broom handle.
Pull both washers to the same side. Let go at the same moment.
Watch which washer gets back to the start first.
Predict first. Then race them three times.
Safety first
A grown-up sets up the broom and chairs so nothing tips.
Keep faces away from the swinging washers.
For a grown-up
Ask: what did you notice? What would you change?
Ask: could you make the two pendulums tie? How?
LAUNCH LAB CHECK
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
Which pendulum will win the race back to the start?
WEEK REVIEW
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
You want a pendulum that swings slowly. What should you build?
Rocket adds a heavy washer to the bottom. What happens to the speed?
What can you do with a pattern? Type one word.
WHY THIS EXERCISEPatterns let us predict what will happen next.
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