Investigating Pendulums...

This investigation is a great opportunity for your Kid Scientist to explore variables.

Ages:  This investigation is best for Big Kid Scientists

Materials: String or yarn, bob such as a washer or round magnet, stopwatch or other timer, Lab Notes page (this will also help explain the investigation)

Procedure:

• Set up a pendulum system

• There are three manipulated variables you can investigate: the length of the pendulum, the weight of the bob and the angle the bob is released
• The period of the pendulum is the time it takes the bob to go over & back one time
• Practice timing the period and releasing the bob
• Explore these questions:  Does this weight of the bob have an effect on the period?  What is the relationship between the length of the pendulum and the period?  Can you create a pendulum system with a 1 second period?  How?

What did you learn about pendulums?
Where can you find pendulums in the "real world"?