Ninja Walk
Welcome to databot™ Explorations!
Meet the Ninja
App Installation Instructions
Look for the sign. In this menu you will see an option to "add experiment from QR Code."
Select this option and your camera will activate a scanner.
Note: On Android, the Plus menu will be in the lower right corner, on IOS, in the upper right.
Scan this QR Code to load the experiments for the Ninja Physics Exploration. You will be prompted to save a set of experiments into your Vizeey™ collection. Accept and you can now proceed to Ninja Physics!
explorations
Ninja Physics
INTRODUCTION
OBJECTIVES & CONNECTIONS
PRETTY DARN QUICK (PDQS)
EXPERIMENT & EXTENSION
Welcome to the world of databot™ Explorations where we envision students comfortable with data - collecting it, seeing it, analyzing it, and really understanding it as they engage with sensors through dynamic activities.
We need critical thinkers and problem solvers to take on our global problems and data can unlock the world's most challenging mysteries.
Ninja Physics is a databot™ Exploration that can be done with a databot™, if you have one, as well as by using just your smart device. This free version requires you only have an Android or IOS device - a phone or a tablet works great!
Using the accelerometer that is built into your phone or tablet students will be able to visualize acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²) and also be able to see their own acceleration on a linear axis as they see real-time, physical feedback. A rich experience exploring 3D cartesian coordinates is also part of this Exploration bringing abstract math to life in the real world. Finally, the entire Exploration is wrapped around a game theme in which students practice their "Ninja Skills" of balance and movement while watching their motion data in real-time!
Ready to start? Install Vizeey™ and prepare to get your Ninja on!
Data can set us free from climate change, hunger, and disease if we learn to collect and manage it responsibly.This smart device Exploration - Ninja Physics - was created to provide an engaging (and easy) introduction to interacting with data for students starting as young as grade 4, but easily adjusted up to grade 12. Best of all? You can do it with just a smartphone and the free app, Vizeey™!
Search for Vizeey™ on the App or Play Store and Install.
Go forth and explore!
Vizeey™ App
Vizeey™ allows you to easily "visualize" data from sensors whether they are external on a device like databot™ or internal to your smartphone. Vizeey™, a free app, is available on both the App Store and the Google Play Store!
Ninja Walk
What You Will Need/Prep
Overview
Background
Click on 3D Basics
in Vizeey™ to load
the experiment.
Acceleration is a change in velocity (speed in a specific direction). If an object is either at rest or traveling at a constant speed in the same direction, there is no acceleration. Any time there is a change in speed or direction, acceleration is happening. You can feel the force of acceleration when you are in a car that is going around a sharp corner, or if it suddenly speeds up and pushes you back into your seat! This is an invisible force you feel - but it can be seen using the sensors inside your smart device!
Gravity is an amazing, invisible force that affects all objects with mass - this force is what attracts every object to every other object. Since the force of gravity is generated by the mass of an object, this means that more massive objects will have a more powerful force of gravity than less massive objects. For example, a grain of salt and a planet both exert a gravitational force, however the planet, with more mass, exerts a higher force.
The pull of gravity accelerates objects towards one another based on their mass. Since Earth is big and has a lot of mass, it exerts a powerful accelerating force on us measured in meters per second squared (m/s²). Using the accelerometer on your device you can see the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²) - this is constant anywhere on Earth. If you drop from an airplane to skydive, you will
accelerate at this rate until wind resistance prevents you from falling
any faster. On the moon, this number would be different because the moon is less massive.
explorations
Ninja Physics
Get ready to take on acceleration and the force of gravity! In this exploration, you’ll be challenged to demonstrate your Ninja-like abilities in a series of hands-on activities. Ninjas are known for being stealthy and doing the seemingly impossible. Is it possible to move with zero acceleration while remaining perfectly level? Let's explore further using your smart device as an accelerometer and find out!
Balanced forces are when all forces acting upon an object are equal and there is no change in speed or direction - acceleration is at zero. When you hold up a weight, the force of gravity is accelerating it at 9.8 m/s² and you are countering that with your own 9.8 m/s² to keep it from falling. The forces are “balanced.” You will get to see this in action in PDQ 1 “A Steady Hand."
May the force be with you!
Install Vizeey™ on your Smart device.
Study the background information and terms and prepare to explore!
INTRODUCTION
OBJECTIVES & CONNECTIONS
PRETTY DARN QUICK (PDQS)
EXPERIMENT & EXTENSION
Grades: 4th & Up
Time: 60 Minutes (PDQ’s + Experiment)
+ optional extensions
Subject: Physics
Topics: Acceleration, Gravity, Acceleration due to Gravity, Balanced and Unbalanced Forces, Cartesian Coordinates
Smart device - IOS or Android, phone or tablet!
Scan the QR code to load the exploration collection.
Press
to start and pause
data collection.
Ninja Walk
Learning Objectives
In this exploration you master the Ninja skills that are essential for stealth, balance, and precision.
Visualize, collect and analyze data
Use Cartesian Coordinates - x, y, and z axes
Measure and record acceleration
Measure & record acceleration due to gravity
Visualize balanced forces in action
Acceleration: The rate of change in velocity. If an object is moving at a constant speed and direction, then its acceleration rate is zero!
Acceleration (due to gravity): On Earth, objects accelerate towards the center of the planet because they are attracted to it - this rate is constant at 9.8 m/s²
Accelerometer: A sensor that detects acceleration - changes in speed and direction.
Balanced Forces: When all forces acting upon an object are equal and there is no change in speed or direction.
Cartesian Coordinates/Geometry: Describes direction and location in three dimensions (3D) using the Cartesian coordinates X, Y, and Z.
Force: Something that can change the motion of an object (such as gravity and acceleration).
Gravity: An attractive force between objects with mass. We call this force "attractive" because it always pulls masses together.
Mass: A physical property of an object; the amount of matter contained by a given volume of solids, liquids, or gases.
Variation: A change or difference in condition, amount, or level, typically with certain limits.
Velocity: The speed of an object moving in a specific direction.
OpenStax High School Physics Connections
Important Terms
explorations
INTRODUCTION
OBJECTIVES & CONNECTIONS
PRETTY DARN QUICK (PDQS)
EXPERIMENT & EXTENSION
Ninja Physics
OpenStax is a hub for peer-reviewed, openly-licensed textbooks (available in free digital formats and affordable printing options). For further study and a deeper understanding of the concepts in this Exploration we recommend the OpenStax High School Physics Curriculum as a great free resource. An understanding of speed and velocity is key to understanding acceleration, and is addressed in Chapter 2, Motion in One Dimension. Chapter 3 provides a full treatment of Acceleration, and Chapter 4, Forces and Newton’s Laws, addresses these concepts in more detail.
https://openstax.org/details/books/physics
Throughout this exploration you will watch changing values on the Cartesian axes Y and Z – these coordinates are used to provide position in three dimensions, like a mathematical way of looking at an object in 3D!
This makes sense since you will want to know exactly which direction(s) you are moving your smart device.
Specifically, you will monitor your rate of acceleration in one direction (Y) and if you are keeping your smart device level based on acceleration due to gravity (Z). Remember, acceleration is a “change” in velocity, and your challenge is to move with zero acceleration.
Can it be done?!
Ninja Physics
Ninja Walk
Click on 3D Basics
in Vizeey™ to load the first part of PDQ 1.
To start and to pause PDQ 1 and practice changing axes use:
Hold your device in the palm of your hand in this position. You should see 9.8 m/s² on the Z axis.
Next, rotate your device so you can see 9.8 m/s² on the X and Y axes.
Now that you have a good grasp of your axes use to return to the Ninja Physics explorations menu.
PDQ 1: A Steady Hand
explorations
INTRODUCTION
OBJECTIVES & CONNECTIONS
PRETTY DARN QUICK (PDQS)
EXPERIMENT & EXTENSION
Using the accelerometer ion your device t is possible to read the force of gravity! First, familiarize yourself with the orientation of your device using the 3D Cartesian Coordinate system of X, Y, and Z axes. The accelerometer reads forces across these 3 axes.
In this PDQ you can see
acceleration due to gravity
being displayed live.
Rotate your device so that
the Z axis is oriented "up"
and you should see around
9.8 m/s² displayed on the
third line.
Can you get a perfect 9.8
to display?
Rotate your device so that
the X axis is now "up" and
is reading a positive value
for X around 9.8. Can you
get it to show you a
negative 9.8?
Why?
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Use to start and to pause the experiment.
Balance your device™ as close to 9.8 m/s² as possible for your 10 second run. GO!
How much you "vary" from the perfect 9.8 goal is your "variation" from level. As you move, the force of gravity shifts to other axes.
Now it’s time to experiment.
Time to joust with gravity - prepare to see balanced forces in action, you against gravity!
Click on A Steady Hand in Vizeey™ to load the second part of PDQ 1.
A Steady Hand is a 10 second timed PDQ. This timed run gives you a 3 second delay to prepare then starts the timer!
How close were you able to get to 100%? Record your score and share or compete with friends for the least variation and best average!
Practice a few times before your official run.
This graph visualizes your acceleration on the Y axis. A perfect walk with no acceleration will be completely flat. Big spikes represent acceleration and impact your score - be careful!
The yellow number is your “live” acceleration value, the white numbers display your biggest “swing” values from a perfect zero.
Your final score takes your average acceleration and adjusts it based on your highest variation. One high spike can take you down!
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Ninja Physics
Ninja Walk
Click on Smooth Walker
in Vizeey to load the
second part of PDQ 2.
Use to start and to pause this part of PDQ2
Click on 3D Basics in Vizeey
to load the first part PDQ 2.
Use to start and to this pause this part of PDQ 2.
explorations
INTRODUCTION
OBJECTIVES & CONNECTIONS
PRETTY DARN QUICK (PDQS)
EXPERIMENT & EXTENSION
PDQ 2: Smooth Walker
Using the accelerometer on your smart device, practice your Ninja moves with zero acceleration (a steady pace) on the Y axis. First step? Let’s identify the Y axis!
Hold your device in the palm of your hand, keeping it level, and move it about until you confirm the direction of the Y-axis. You want the Y-axis pointing straight ahead of you so can move steadily along this axis as you walk. Remember, acceleration is a "change" in your rate of speed or direction, so move steadily and strive for zero change and zero acceleration.
Now that you have a good understanding of your Y-axis,
use to return the Ninja Physics explorations menu.
Now it’s time to experiment.
Practice a few times before your official run.
Smooth Walker is a 10 second timed PDQ. This timed run gives you a 3 second delay to prepare then starts the timer!
How close were you able to get to 100%? Record your score and share or
compete with friends for the best Final Score!
Sample Smooth Walker
This graph visualizes your acceleration on the Y axis. A perfect walk with no acceleration will be completely flat. Big spikes represent acceleration and impact your score - be careful!
The yellow number is your “live” acceleration value, the white numbers display your biggest “swing” values (variations) from a perfect zero.
Your final score takes your average acceleration and adjusts it based on your highest variation. One high spike can take you down!
Sample 3D Basics
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Ninja Physics
Ninja Walk
Challenge
Vizeey™ Extension
In Vizeey, click on
Ninja Walk to load the experiment.
Ninja Walk is a 15 second timed Experiment. This timed run gives you a 3 second delay to prepare then starts the timer!
Conduct several practice runs as described in the rules below to prepare for your final, "best Ninja" moves!
Use to start and to pause the experiment.
Further Exploration
Check for Understanding
Rules
Experiment: Ninja Walk
explorations
INTRODUCTION
OBJECTIVES & CONNECTIONS
PRETTY DARN QUICK (PDQS)
EXPERIMENT & EXTENSIONS
Welcome to the Ninja Walk - all your study and preparation is about to be put to use! The Ninja Walk combines your previous training as you strive to maintain a perfectly level device (as monitored by the gravity reading on the Z-axis) and as close to zero acceleration as possible on the Y-axis as you move through a three-point course. Good luck Ninjas!
Set up your Ninja Walk as an equilateral triangle with 6’ sides where each vertex is a designated “Ninja Zone” that Ninjas must navigate your device through.
The different zones are at different heights to make it more challenging. Pick a point in the room to be “Zone A” and use a chair or desk that is approximately 30” off the ground to mark as A with a piece of tape. Now, use a protractor to measure a 60 degree angle and measure six feet to “Zone B” which will be 15” off the ground (use books, boxes, etc. to get to 15”) and marked as B. Now measure another 60 degree angle and another six feet to establish “Zone C” which is 40” off the ground.
You may want to use tape to mark off the sides of the triangle to make it easier to follow.
With your newfound knowledge of acceleration and gravity, create your own course that will optimize your 15 second Ninja Walk score. Your only requirement is that the course is 18 linear feet in any configuration.
How close were you able to get to 100%? Share with your friends to see who can master the best Ninja walk.
Now that you have been introduced to the concept of acceleration conduct further studies using the accelerometer to deepen your understanding. How can you explore acceleration further? Be creative - go forth and explore!
Pretend that you need to explain the force of gravity and acceleration to someone. Draw visual representations to explain both concepts.
How can acceleration be zero when you are moving?
What is the value of acceleration due to gravity in meters per second squared?
What is an example of balanced forces?
Begin your timed run with your device resting on point A (you must pick it up from the table or surface it is resting on).
Your device must pass directly over point B and C - no shortcuts!
Finally, your device must be set back down on point A to conclude the run!
Once set down, let the timer run out and conclude your experiment.
Sample Ninja Walk
Your Ninja Walk score is based on two variables:
Your Ninja Walk score combines your ability to stay level (determined by gravity on your Z axis) and how well you can move with zero acceleration on the Y axis. Monitor these numbers as you practice the course.
Your final score, shown in yellow, is calculated as a percentage based on your performance on both of these variables.
Good luck Ninja!
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Ninja Physics Lab Guide
Ninja Walk
PREDICTIONS & QUESTIONS
OBJECTIVES & STANDARDS
Background Questions Key
Overview Questions Key
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What topics will be covered in this lab? Acceleration, Acceleration, due to gravity, Balanced and Unbalanced Forces, Cartesian Coordinates - X, Y, and Z Axes
Make a prediction: Is it possible to move with zero acceleration while remaining perfectly level? Answers will vary
How well do you think you currently understand acceleration and gravity? What do you want to learn? Be specific. Answers will vary, but students should reference specific parts of definitions and/or application and/or examples that are unclear.
What is gravity? Gravity is an invisible force that attracts all objects to each other.
Describe how the mass of an object affects its gravitational “pull” on other objects. The more mass an object has, the greater its gravitational force (how much it pulls) will be on other objects. Therefore, larger/heavier objects will exert a greater gravitational force than smaller/lighter objects.
Why is the acceleration due to gravity different on the Moon than it is here on Earth? Since the Moon has less mass than the Earth, it exerts a smaller gravitational force on other objects (it doesn’t “pull” as hard as the Earth). Therefore, the rate at which objects accelerate on the Moon (due to gravity) is slower.
Describe two sets of conditions where an object has no (zero) acceleration. Two sets of conditions that would result in an object having no/zero acceleration would be, 1) The object is at rest, or 2) The object is moving at a constant speed in the same direction.
You will be using the Cartesian Coordinate system in this set of activities. What will the Y and Z axes represent (be sure to indicate which is which)? In the Cartesian Coordinate system, the Y axis will represent acceleration in one direction, and the Z axis will represent acceleration due to gravity.
Define balanced forces AND include an example (different from the one provided in the text). Balanced forces describes a set of conditions where all the forces acting upon an object are equal (such as when there is no change in speed or direction and acceleration is at zero). An example of this would be a tug of war game with equally balanced team strength (the rope isn’t moving because it is being pulled with the same amount of force in opposite directions).
Acceleration cannot be zero if you are moving.
Acceleration has nothing to do with direction, only motion in a straight line.
Misconceptions
Guiding Questions
What are the three ways an object can accelerate? There are three ways an object can accelerate: a change in speed, a change in direction, or a change in both speed and direction.
Can you be moving at a high rate of speed and have zero acceleration? Yes, as long as there is no change in speed or direction,
acceleration is zero.
Is it possible to have acceleration if I maintain my speed at an exact rate? Yes, a change in direction would still equal a change
in acceleration, even if your speed was constant.
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Ninja Physics
PREDICTIONS & QUESTIONS
OBJECTIVES & STANDARDS
Additional Resources
Cross Cutting Concepts
Cause and effect: Mechanism and explanation. Events have causes, sometimes simple, sometimes multifaceted. A major activity of science is investigating and explaining causal relationships and the mechanisms by which they are mediated. Such mechanisms can then be tested across given contexts and used to predict and explain events in new contexts.
Scale, proportion, and quantity. In considering phenomena, it is critical to recognize what is relevant at different measures of size, time, and energy and to recognize how changes in scale, proportion, or quantity affect a system’s structure or performance.
Disciplinary Core Ideas
K-PS2-1. Plan and conduct an investigation to compare the effects of different strengths or different directions of pushes and pulls on the motion of an object.
3-PS2-1. Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object.
MS-PS2-4. Construct and present arguments using evidence to support the claim that gravitational interactions are attractive and depend on the masses of interacting objects.
Science and Engineering Practices
Analyzing and interpreting data. Students read and interpret accelerometer data in the activities.
Using math and computational thinking. Students learn about and use Cartesian Coordinates in the activities.
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Objectives
The following learning objectives are emphasized in this exploration:
Visualize, collect and analyze data
Use Cartesian Coordinates - x, y, and z axes
Measure and record acceleration
Measure & record acceleration due to gravity
Visualize balanced forces in action
Copyright (c) 2021 aRbotics LLC
What is gravity?
2. Describe how the mass of an object affects its gravitational "pull" on other objects.
3. Why is acceleration due to gravity different on the Moon than it is here on Earth?
4. Describe two sets of conditions where an object has no (zero) acceleration.
5. You will be using the Cartesian Coordinate system in this exploration. What will the X and Y axes
represent (be sure to indicate which is which).
6. Define balanced forces AND include an example (different from the one provided in the text).
Overview Questions
Ninja Physics Lab
Ninja Walk
What topics will be covered in this lab?
2. Make a prediction:
Is it possible to move with zero acceleration while remaining perfectly level?
3. How well do you think you currently understand acceleration and gravity?
What do you want to learn (be specific)?
Background Questions
PREDICTIONS & QUESTIONS
RECORD YOUR FINDINGS & CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING
Lab Info
Name:
Lab Partners:
Date:
Class/Period:
Ninja Physics
PREDICTIONS & QUESTIONS
RECORD YOUR FINDINGS & CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING
Record Your Findings
PDQ 1 A Steady Hand
Highest Variation: ____________________________ Lowest Variation: ______________________________
Largest Variation: ____________________________ Z Average: ____________________________________ Final Score: __________________________________
PDQ 2 Smooth Walker
Acceleration on Y: _____________________________ Y High Value: ________________________________
Y Low Value: ___________________________________ Max Acceleration: ____________________________
Y Average: _____________________________________ Final Score: __________________________________
Gravity reading (Live): __________________________ Highest Variation: ____________________________
Lowest Variation: ______________________________ Largest Variation: ____________________________
Z Average: ____________________________________ Final Score: __________________________________
Experiment - Ninja Walk
Check for Understanding
1.How can acceleration be zero when you are moving?
2. What is the value of acceleration due to gravity on earth in meters per second squared?
3. What is an example of balanced forces?
4. What is your current level of understanding of acceleration and gravity. Be specific about what concepts you are comfortable
with, and what may still be confusing to you.