AT Cycle 8

🔴 2: Th 10/20a, 🟡 4: W 10/19 - 🪜 ladder lab (1)

Today,, we'll investigate the situation of a ladder leaning against a wall. We'll start with a short video about ladder safety. We'll use this to generate some questions about ladder safety. We'll use what we know about static equilibrium to figure out where we can stand on a ladder and feel safe. You will work as collaborative team members to build a couple different models of the situation and make predictions about safety. Then, we'll test your Ladder Lab models with a few questions. You'll go through the iterative process of engineering your ladder model to correct any weaknesses. You'll answer a few more questions to make sure your model works well. Finally, you'll answer the ultimate question about the real-life safety of ladders by researching some specifications of real ladders and you'll consider some design choices that could make the ladder safer.

Lab Safety: During our ladder lab, we will be leaning a model of a ladder up against a wall and sometimes hanging masses off the ladder. The ladder may be in a precarious position, so please make sure not to place your hand under the ladder, as the ladder could slide and fall on your hand or fingers. Also, since you are using masses, be careful that the masses do not fall off the table as that could cause injury if they land on someone. Don't attempt to climb a ladder at home without supervision.

Handout: Ladder Lab

Homework: Finish creating your mathematical models on page 1 of Ladder Lab if you have not already done so. We can test your models next time. Make sure you've completed Hard Torque Problems due to ✏️ Google Classroom by Wednesday, October 19th at 10pm.