September 8, 2009

Yesterday in class, we had a long discussion on the history of grades. We went back in time, imagining what the grading system would be like as our civilization developed, and came to the realization that our grade system is there simply because it is the easiest one to use, but the least effective at encouraging improvement and understanding.

We received our tests back, and were told not to worry about what grade you get. Be happy for a three, and especially a four if you had two back to back threes. In general our class topped both a junior and sophmore class that took the same test, so we all did really well.

For our lab of the day, we used tracker to see the movment of Adrian Wilson jumping over a 66 inch bar. By analyzing the points of his head from his peak to the bottom, we found his acceleration was -9.8 m/s, which proves that gravity was pulling him down. We also started on proving that the gravity on the moon landing was different, but not everyone finished.

HW: Play around with and get to know tracker. Prove the moon landing was real if you haven't already.

I don't know who hasn't gone yet so just volunteer in class.