Wile E. Coyote Physics

Why can’t Wile E. Coyote catch Roadrunner? Obviously, Wile E. just doesn’t understand the laws of physics. With even a basic understanding of physics, he could increase his chances of catching Roadrunner significantly.

We will cover one of the following concepts:
• Week 1: States of Matter and changes in states
• Week 2: Energy and different types of energy
• Week 3: Force and Motion
• Week 4: Flight and Gravity

Each week, I will post in the classroom a new lecture video that includes a Google slide show presentation that discusses the concepts of that week, shows video clips of the Wile E. Coyote & Roadrunner cartoon and critique how and why Wile E. could or did benefit from simple machines as they pertain to the basic tenets of physics.

I will also post 2 more videos of my attempts at experiments that help solidify the week’s lessons. Students are expected to complete these experiments at home.

I will also post in the classroom additional outside resources for further experimentation and ideas.

Posting Time: Each lecture video and 2 corresponding experiment videos are posted by 8 am (EST) Monday of our class week. Students should submit photos or videos of their attempts at the 2 required experiments by Friday of that same week. Additional resources will be posted on Wednesday and Friday so students can try them. Students will use the Outschool classroom posting feature to submit their experiments, comment on fellow classmates’ experiments, discuss ideas, ask questions, and share tips and tricks with the teacher and fellow classmates.

Final note: Students will be able to access the forum at any time during the course. This will allow students from a variety of time zones to have the chance to interact with their fellow students and teacher. I will post daily questions, tips, and encourage students to participate and interact.