Periods of a Pendulum

This two-session periods of a pendulum lab teaches students about methods to reduce uncertainty, ways of quantifying uncertainty, and comparing pairs of uncertain measurements. In session 1, students design ways to measure the period of a pendulum and evaluate ways to reduce uncertainty. In session 2, students use their most precise method from session 1 to measure the period of a pendulum released from two amplitudes (10 and 20 degrees), quantitatively compare the uncertain measurements, and design follow-up experiments that respond to their initial comparison.

• Design an experiment with sufficiently high precision to test a model, finding efficient and effective ways to reduce uncertainty.

• Identify and quantify sources of uncertainty in data.

• Compare pairs of measurements based on their uncertainties and use those comparisons to make appropriate inferences.

• Iterate on an experimental procedure to reduce *uncertainty*, test assumptions and claims, and extend the investigation to explore the phenomenon.