✓Lesson Snapshot
Student Objective
I can separate projectile motion into horizontal and vertical components to predict motion behavior.
Main Activity
Analyze a projectile launch or payload drop using component motion and labeled diagrams.
Deliverable
Projectile component diagram and calculations
Tools / Materials
Notebook, calculator, graph paper, projectile or launch data
1ProblemUnderstand the challenge and why it matters.
Projectiles move horizontally while gravity changes vertical motion. Engineers predict this motion by separating the problem into components.
2ConceptLearn the engineering idea or skill.
Horizontal motion and vertical motion can be analyzed separately. Horizontal velocity may remain approximately constant while vertical velocity changes due to gravity.
3ApplyUse the skill in a guided task.
Draw a projectile path and label horizontal and vertical quantities. Use given data to calculate time, range, or component velocity.
4DocumentRecord your evidence and decisions.
Show a component diagram, known values, equations, calculations, and units.
5ReviewCheck quality and identify your next step.
Your work should clearly separate x-direction and y-direction motion.
Lesson Resources
Use these files and shared website resources when they support today’s work.
Engineering Graph Paper
Use for graphs, calculations, motion diagrams, data displays, and design sketches.
Open ResourceMeasurement Data Sheet
Use for repeated trials, rover-distance data, timing data, accuracy measurements, and observations.
Open ResourceEngineering Resource Library
Templates, reference sheets, sketch paper, and course support files.
Open Resource