OpenStax Physics (High School)
Lesson Plan
Postulates of Special Relativity
Goals / Objectives
Describe the experiments and scientific problems that led Einstein to develop the special theory of relativity
Explain what a frame of reference is and what makes a reference frame inertial
State the two postulates of special relativity in their own words
Explain the Michelson–Morley experiment and why its null result was significant
Explain why simultaneity depends on the observer's frame of reference
Standards
10.1
"1. The laws of physics are the same in all inertial reference frames. 2. The speed of light is the same in all inertial reference frames and is not affected by the speed of its source." "This result led to two conclusions: that there is no ether and that the speed of light is the same regardless of the relative motion of source and observer. The Michelson–Morley investigation has been called the most famous failed experiment in history." "Simultaneity, or whether different events occur at the same instant, depends on the frame of reference of the observer." "Einstein's theory did not replace Newton's but rather extended it."
Academic Vocabulary
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Materials
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Remediation
Enrichment
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Accommodations
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Anticipatory Set / Bell Work
Modeling
Check for Understanding
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Guided Practice
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Independent Practice
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