This lesson points out that the motion of objects (velocity or acceleration) is almost never constant, and applies this idea to the motion of a person walking. The discussion covers the energy transfers involved in walking and in some other forms of human-powered transportation (crutches, bicycle, wheelchair), and the velocity and acceleration of an object that is moving in one dimension. The lesson includes an activity in which students use an accelerometer attached to a student volunteer to measure instantaneous acceleration in three dimensions, and calculate the total work which is done.

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Activity requires the use of laboratory apparatus, as described in the instructions

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Publisher: Kennesaw State University
Environmental Science Activities for the 21st Century (ESA21)
http://esa21.kennesaw.edu/

Author: John Pratte
Arkansas State University