foucault pendulum logo
tfi pendulumWe are constantly seeking data collection opportunities. The study of pendula offer many areas in which students can collate data and create graphs. From there students learn to interpret, compare, and judge/make statements about data.

An investigation into a pendulum's period is one such opportunity. There are Foucault pendula at museums, schools, buildings throughout the world. Have students search for locations of various pendula. Here is a beginning:

  • COSI
    Columbus, OH
    (614) 228-2674
  • Fort Worth Museum of Science & History
    Fort Worth, TX
    (817) 255-9340
  • Museum of Science
    Boston, MA
    (617) 589-0281
  • Science Museum of Minnesota
    (612) 221-4731
We use such activities to provide practical applications of both web searching and letter writing. Students create their inquiries and request information in which they need to complete a data collection sheet (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. From the collection sheets, students create data tables and graphs.

In addition to pendula periods, students collect data about the length of the wire and the weight of the bob.

Depending on the level of your students, other activities such as creating your own pendula, measuring the amplitude of the swing of the pendulum, etc. can be incorporated.

foucault pendula reference
home of the tfi fellowship
TFI credit statement
http://www.fi.edu/time/Journey/Pendulum/graphing_activity.html
Last Modified: Tuesday, 27-May-2003 09:37:02 EDT