1. Clicker Interactive Lecture Demonstration: Simple Harmonic Motion
Source: Adapted from Interactive Lecture Demonstrations: Active Learning in Introductory Physics by David R. Sokoloff and Ronald K. Thornton (Wiley, 2004)

2. Consider a mass hanging on a spring
Consider a mass hanging on a spring. The mass is started in motion by pulling it down a small distance below the equilibrium position and releasing it. The displacement is zero whenever the mass is at its equilibrium position. +
Time
POSITION -
Individually draw the graphs that best match your prediction for the position, velocity, and acceleration of the mass after it is released. +
Time
VEL - +
Time
ACCEL -
Print this sheet as a handout. Set up a motion detector below a mass on a spring. Do the demonstration without taking any measurements. Allow students time to observe and write down their predictions. It can be useful to collect this handout at the end of the demo as a record of the thoughts students were having before formal instruction.

3. When asked, discuss your answer with your neighbors, and try to come to some agreement. Draw your revised answers on the graphs below.
Consider a mass hanging on a spring. The mass is started in motion by pulling it down a small distance below the equilibrium position and releasing it. The displacement is zero whenever the mass is at its equilibrium position. +
Time
POSITION -
Draw the graphs that best match your prediction for the position, velocity, and acceleration of the mass after it is released. +
Time
VEL - +
Time
ACCEL -
Print this sheet as a handout. Instruct the students to talk with a neighbor and compare and contrast ideas. Best case scenario, encourage them to find someone who disagrees with them. The partners should come to a consensus about who is right and draw their consensus answers.

4. Choose the position-time graph that is closest to your thinking.+
Time
POSITION -
Choose the position-time graph that is closest to your thinking. B +
Time
POSITION - A B C D E C +
Time
POSITION -
Have students click in with their answers. D +
Time
POSITION - 60 E +
Time
POSITION -

5. Choose the velocity-time graph that is closest to your thinking.+
Time
VELOCITY -
Choose the velocity-time graph that is closest to your thinking. B +
Time
VELOCITY - A B C D E C +
Time
VELOCITY -
Have students click in with their answers. D +
Time
VELOCITY - 60 E +
Time
VELOCITY -

6. Choose the acceleration-time graph that is closest to your thinking.+
Time
ACC -
Choose the acceleration-time graph that is closest to your thinking. B +
Time
ACC - A B C D E C +
Time
ACC -
Have students click in with their answers. D +
Time
ACC - 60 E +
Time
ACC -

7. How did you do?
Perform the demo again and show the graphs for position, velocity, and acceleration. Discuss the answers with students and point out common misconceptions. Summarize.