Pendulum project update

[Kim Rose]

I think it is wonderful to see how the Etoy system can motivate and 
promote learning in *us*!  The adults!  Look how Phil has been 
motivated to read and explore more by seeking out expert advice. 
Look how our community (thanks to Bert and others) are responding and 
adding to Phil's "knowledge base" --
geesh, maybe we've got a tool to amplify adult learning!  (I know it 
has worked for me!)
Thanks for the great exploration, and support of learning no matter 
who the learner....
best to all,
  -- Kim


>So, I've done a little reading (Physics Made Simple, etc,) and most 
>recently consulted with a physics professor who happens to be in the 
>family. As a result, I'm fairly (if not completely) convinced that 
>creating a realistic pendulum is well beyond what 5th graders could 
>do. I'm not even sure if I'll ever be able to complete the project 
>myself.
>I have learned a lot about pendulums, gravity, etc.
>I realize now that my pendulum does not reflect reality because it 
>moves at a steady rate through it's swing when, in fact, a pendulum 
>accelerates in its downward motion and decelerates in its upward 
>motion.
>In order to simulate reality I need to be able to change the rate of 
>acceleration of the heading of my pendulum. I now have a formula 
>that would accomplish this, however, it includes a square root 
>function. Is that possible in the etoy environment?


--