Outline of a five day AP Physics unit plan on Einstein's theories of relative motion and special relativity.

1. EINSTEIN'S
THEORIES OF
RELATIVE MOTION
AND SPECIAL
RELATIVITY
JessicaJacoby

2. Analyze the
Learner
• Basic Demographics (11th& 12th grade AP Physics II)
• Sufficient Knowledge of Newton's Laws of Motion
• Tweet Preconceptions
• Learning Styles

3. Main
Objectives
• Students will list consequences of the theory of relative motion and special relativity as well as solve
problems about gravitational time dilation. The problems will be graded based on effort, not
accuracy.
• Students will correct their misconceptions of Einstein and his theories, with 100% accuracy, through
the use of social media and classroom discussion, by the end of the day.
• Students will solve mathematical problems of relative velocity after watching demonstrations and
using a web simulations. Students will solve problems with a 60% accuracy by the next class period.
• Students will learn basic concepts and the history of special relativity by watching a video lesson,
solving and teaching practice problems in groups and completing a Web Quest. Students will solve
two problems with 100% accuracy after reviewing with classmates before the end of the period.
Students will describe Einstein's upbringing and influences leading him to his theory of special
relativity in a two page maximum biography. Students will turn the paper in to Wikispaces within
one week. Students will be graded according to a specific project rubric outlined in the Web Quest.
• Students will use online simulations to develop an understanding of time dilation and length
contraction.
• Students will display practical understanding of relative motion by build a locomotive robot in two
days which can accurately display calculable relative motion.
• Students will understand and be able to explain the physical expanse and size reference of
astronomical objects in the universe by creating their own scales in a Web Quest completed during
this class period. Students will be graded using the rubric attached in the Web Quest with 70%
accuracy.
• Students will design and create a physical model representing Einstein's theory of relative motion.
Students will be given time in class to design and create their models, however the majority of the
project will be created outside of class. Students will have until the end of the week to create a
functional, moving model which can be accurately measured and recorded. Students will be
expected to measure their model and provide accurate measurements for their model’s reference
frame.

4. Day by Day
Breakdown
1. Frame of Reference & Relative Motion
2. History & Introduction to Special Relativity
3.Time Dilation & Length Contraction
4. Building a Locomotive Model
5. Designing Locomotive & Scaling the Universe
6. Presentations

5. Use of
Technology
• Twitter – Classroom preconceptions discussion
• YouTube videos
• Lecture
• Physical Models & Demonstrations
• Lab – How to make a robot
• Recycled objects & classroom materials for robots
• Vex robotics kit
• Web Quest – Scaling the Universe
• Facebook
• Zello
• Weebly
• Wikispaces

6. Work Cited
Podcast
• https://player.fm/series/physics-world-science-
podcast/quantum-mechanics-in-popular-science-books
http://physicscentral.com/explore/multimedia/podcast.cf
m?uid=20120703043741
• https://www.fiatphysica.com/learning/best-physics-
podcasts/
Lesson Plans
• http://study.com/academy/course/high-school-physics-
curriculum-resource-lesson-plans.html
• Video
http://ed.ted.com/lessons/time-travel-and-einstein-s-
special-relativity-colin-stuart#review
PBS SpaceTime
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NblR01hHK6U&list=
PLsPUh22kYmNAmjsHke4pd8S9z6m_hVRur&index=3