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The Physics of Boomerangs

Grade Level Grades 6-12
Resource Type Lesson Plan
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This learning video explores the mysterious physics behind boomerangs and other rapidly spinning objects. Students will get to make and throw their own boomerangs between video segments! A key idea presented is how torque causes the precession of angular momentum. One class period is required to complete this learning video, and the optimal prerequisites are a familiarity with forces, Newton’s laws, vectors and time derivatives. Each student would need the following materials for boomerang construction: cardboard (roughly the size of a postcard), ruler, pencil/pen, scissors, protractor, and a stapler.

For more information visit: http://blossoms.mit.edu/videos/lessons/physics_boomerangs

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Boomerangs-teacher-guide.doc

Lesson Plan
February 10, 2020
0.1 MB
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Boomerangs-teacher-guide.pdf

Lesson Plan
February 13, 2020
0.1 MB
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Boomerangs-transcript.doc

February 10, 2020
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Boomerangs-transcript.pdf

February 13, 2020
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Boomerangs-additional-resources.pdf

February 13, 2020
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Boomerangs-Teacher-Bio.docx

February 13, 2020
0.1 MB
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Boomerangs-additional-resources.docx

February 13, 2020
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Boomerangs-Teacher-Bio.pdf

February 13, 2020
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Boomerangs-lesson-description.pdf

February 13, 2020
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Boomerangs-lesson-description.docx

February 13, 2020
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Videos
The Physics of a Boomerang
Remote video URL

Reviews

5.0
1 Review
We enjoyed this very much and our boomerang worked well!
karip_3366148
November 08, 2019

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