Physics Patterson 2017-18

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Intro to Electrostatics Forces at a Distance So far in our exploration of forces at a distance, you have read about lightning and how charges between objects (for example, clouds and the ground) can lead to dangerous and exciting results. Now, you will go further into the topic of static electricity and connect it to your own life experience. Activity 1: Modeling Lightning Using the whiteboards, your group will work together to create a model of how a storm leads to lightning. Use what you learned from the Close Reading article on Lightning from yesterday (reference your notes) to create a drawing that includes: - A sketch of “everyday” examples of lightning (that may happen when you walk around the house…) – include labels in your drawing - A sketch of how lightning forms in a storm o Include charges in your picture (where do the different charges collect?) o Include labels in your drawing Three (3) groups will volunteer or be called on to share their drawing with the class. Activity 2: Creative Writing In your notebook, you will complete the following writing activity applying what you have learned so far about electrostatics. Be sure to title each section and meet the proper requirements. 1. Structural Analysis of the Word: What does the word “electrostatics” mean to you? Explain how you can break apart the word into smaller pieces (“electro-“ and “statics”) to help you find the meaning. (2-3 sentences) 2. Sketch and Description: Sketch how lightning forms in a storm (use your group drawing as a model) and include labels for the charges involved. Write a short paragraph explaining what you know about lightning and how it relates to static electricity, using what you learned from the article and your own prior knowledge. Why does lightning only form during a storm, rather than from regular clouds? (3-4 sentences) 3. Imaginary Situation: Write a short story from the perspective of a sock tumbling around in the dryer. Describe its day, what it may be feeling, and why it is having such strange side-effects from the dryer (sticking to all the other clothes!) Give the sock a name, include dialogue with other characters, etc. Be creative!