The goal of the curriculum project is to provide students with direct experience in the physical world by using MBL tools for real time data collection, display and analysis. The guide for each lab provides reproducible student pages that contain the investigation objectives, background information, and stepwise activity directions. Tables and graphs for data recording and focus questions are included. The experiments include exploring one dimensional kinematics, combining forces, and gravitational forces, in addition to Newton's laws, projectile motion, and conservations of mechanical energy. In a sample activity students use a motion detector to plot distance time and velocity time graphs of the motions of their own body.
Students also try to move to match a given velocity time graph.
In another activity, students explore the relationship between position time and velocity time graphs as they predict a velocity graph from a position graph. They then use a battery operated fan unit mounted on a low friction dynamics cart to explore acceleration time graphs. Each lab ends with suggestions for extension and homework sheets. Conservation of momentum.