7th Grade
Project
2 weeks
Move it Move it: Newton's laws of motion
MS-PS2-2
MS-PS2-1
1-pager
Purpose
The purpose of this project is to integrate the principles of Newton's laws of motion into a real-world context by having students create a school newspaper that includes articles on local sports events. Through hands-on activities such as designing model roller coasters and conducting experiments with motion, students will gain a deeper understanding of physics concepts. They will apply this knowledge to enhance their journalism skills, producing accurate and engaging content that connects scientific principles to everyday experiences. This project encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity, allowing students to explore the intersection of science and media. Rubrics will guide students in assessing their work, while key vocabulary such as "force," "friction," and "gravity" will be defined and used throughout the project. Resources such as video tutorials, articles on Newton's laws, and interviews with athletes will support students in their learning journey.
Learning goals
Students will grasp the fundamental concepts of Newton's laws of motion and types of forces through hands-on experimentation and model creation. They will explore how these principles apply to real-world scenarios, such as sports and roller coasters, enhancing their ability to report accurately on local events. By designing a roller coaster and creating a video documentary, students will develop critical thinking and communication skills, effectively linking scientific understanding with journalistic practices. Rubrics will be provided to assess students' understanding and application of motion principles, creativity in design, and effectiveness in communication. Key vocabulary includes terms such as "force," "friction," "gravity," and "mass," with definitions provided for clarity. Resources will include access to video equipment, cardboard, and other materials for model creation, as well as interviews with local athletes and coaches.
Standards
- MS-PS2-2 - Plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in an object's motion depends on the sum of the forces on the object and the mass of the object.
- MS-PS2-1 - Apply Newton's Third Law to design a solution to a problem involving the motion of two colliding objects.
Products
Students will design and construct model roller coasters using cardboard and other materials to demonstrate Newton's laws of motion. They will also create a video documentary featuring interviews with local athletes and coaches, exploring how these laws influence sports strategies and performances. Additionally, students will write and publish articles in the school newspaper, analyzing local sports events through the lens of motion principles and forces. A rubric will be provided to assess creativity, application of Newton's laws, and clarity in both the model and documentary. Key vocabulary includes terms like "force," "friction," "gravity," and "motion," with definitions provided. Resources will include access to video editing software, interviews with sports figures, and materials for model construction.
Launch
Begin the project with an interactive presentation by a local sports coach or athlete, focusing on the application of Newton's laws in sports. Introduce key vocabulary such as "force," "motion," "friction," and "gravity," along with their definitions. Provide students with rubrics outlining expectations for their roller coaster models and video documentaries. Use resources like videos on Newton's laws and articles on sports physics to deepen understanding and inspire students as they embark on their project tasks.
Exhibition
Students will host a "Science and Sports Journalism Showcase" where they present their roller coaster models and video documentaries. The event will include interactive stations where attendees can test small-scale roller coaster models and learn about the forces at play. Students will also screen their documentaries, followed by a Q&A session with local athletes and coaches featured in the videos. Rubrics will be provided to assess the accuracy and creativity of the roller coaster designs and documentaries, focusing on the application of Newton's laws. Key vocabulary words such as "force," "motion," and "friction" will be defined and displayed at each station to enhance understanding. A resources section will include links to articles, videos, and books that further explore the principles of motion and sports science.
Plan
Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
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Activities |
Project Introduction and Guest Speaker - Begin with an interactive presentation by a local sports coach or athlete, focusing on the application of Newton's laws in sports, and introduce key vocabulary such as 'force,' 'motion,' 'friction,' and 'gravity' (42 min)
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Essential Questions Exploration - Discuss the essential questions: 'How can we use Newton's laws of motion to predict the motion of objects?' and 'How can understanding Newton's laws enhance the quality and accuracy of our reporting on school and community events?' (20 min)
Newton's Laws Video - Watch a short video on Newton's laws of motion to inspire and deepen understanding of the concepts (22 min)
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Hands-On Experiment: Rolling Balls and Ramps - Engage in a hands-on activity to explore Newton's laws of motion by designing and conducting experiments with balls and ramps to observe the effects of different forces on motion (42 min)
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Forces and Motion Vocabulary - Define and explore key vocabulary terms such as 'force,' 'friction,' 'gravity,' and 'mass,' providing clear definitions and examples (20 min)
Small-Scale Roller Coaster Design Challenge - Begin brainstorming and sketching designs for small-scale roller coasters using cardboard and other materials, focusing on how gravity, friction, and applied forces will affect motion (22 min)
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Rubrics and Expectations - Introduce the rubrics that will guide students in assessing creativity, application of Newton's laws, and clarity in both the model and documentary, ensuring students understand the expectations (15 min)
Model Construction Begins - Start constructing model roller coasters, applying the principles of Newton's laws and the previous day's design sketches (27 min)
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Deliverables |
1. Completion of a small-scale model roller coaster with documented observations on the effects of gravity, friction, and applied forces.
2. A draft article for the school newspaper analyzing a local sports event through the lens of Newton's laws of motion. 3. A storyboard draft for the video documentary including planned interview questions for athletes and coaches. |
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Preparation |
1. Gather materials for roller coaster construction, including cardboard, tape, scissors, and other craft supplies.
2. Provide video tutorials and articles on Newton's laws and sports physics to support student understanding. 3. Arrange a guest speaker session with a local sports coach or athlete to launch the project. 4. Prepare rubrics to guide students in assessing their roller coaster models and draft articles. 5. Ensure access to video editing software and equipment for documentary production. |
Week 2 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10 |
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Activities |
Roller Coaster Design Iteration - Refine and enhance model roller coasters, incorporating feedback and ensuring alignment with Newton's laws of motion (42 min)
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Documentary Planning - Outline the video documentary structure, identifying key interview questions and sports events to highlight (42 min)
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Video Recording and Interviews - Conduct interviews with local athletes and coaches, capturing footage that demonstrates Newton's laws in sports contexts (42 min)
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Article Writing - Draft articles for the school newspaper, integrating scientific principles with sports event analysis for accurate reporting (42 min)
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Project Showcase Preparation - Organize and rehearse presentations for the 'Science and Sports Journalism Showcase', finalizing roller coaster models and video documentaries (42 min)
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Deliverables |
1. Completed roller coaster model demonstrating Newton's laws
2. Finalized video documentary featuring athlete interviews 3. Published articles in the school newspaper analyzing sports events 4. Presentation at the Science and Sports Journalism Showcase |
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Preparation |
1. Gather materials for roller coaster model construction (e.g., cardboard, tape, scissors)
2. Provide access to video editing software and equipment for documentary production 3. Organize interviews with local athletes and coaches 4. Prepare rubrics and assessment criteria for self-assessment and peer review 5. Coordinate logistics for the Science and Sports Journalism Showcase |