Length Contraction

Prompts

“Draw a diagram showing a meter stick on a moving train.”

“Draw a diagram showing a meter stick at rest.”

“Calibrate these diagrams using unit hyperbola.”

Estimated Time: 30 minutes, including wrap-up

This SWBQ develops further understanding of hyperbola geometry. Students should know the basics of hyperbola geometry.

Length contraction is just the result of different observers making different measurements.
Spacetime diagrams can be calibrated using hyperbolas.

Ask several students to present/defend their responses.
Construct right triangles with unit hypotenuse in both reference frames, emphsasizing the location of the right angle.