"Force Fun: Playground Physics Adventure"

3rd Grade

Project
5 weeks

"Force Fun: Playground Physics Adventure"

Aimee Carter

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage 3rd-grade students in hands-on learning experiences that explore the principles of balanced and unbalanced forces through the design of playground games. By collaborating with community partners and utilizing real-world contexts, students will develop a deeper understanding of motion and force interactions. The project culminates in a public exhibition where students showcase their designs, fostering a sense of accomplishment and reinforcing their learning through interactive demonstrations.

Learning goals

Students will explore and understand the principles of balanced and unbalanced forces and their effects on motion. They will develop skills in scientific inquiry by planning and conducting investigations, making observations, and identifying patterns in motion. Through hands-on design challenges, students will apply their knowledge to create innovative playground games, fostering creativity and problem-solving. Additionally, they will enhance communication skills by presenting their designs and scientific reasoning to peers and community members.

Standards

NGSS - 3-PS2-1: Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object.
NGSS - 3-PS2-2: Make observations and/or measurements of an object’s motion to provide evidence that a pattern can be used to predict future motion.
NGSS - 3-PS2-3: Ask questions to determine cause and effect relationships of electric or magnetic interactions between two objects not in contact with each other.

Products

Throughout the project, students will design and prototype playground games using everyday materials to explore the principles of balanced and unbalanced forces. They will create detailed design plans, including diagrams and written explanations, to showcase their understanding of force dynamics. By the end of the project, students will produce a video presentation that demonstrates their game in action, highlighting how they incorporated scientific principles to ensure safety and enjoyment. Additionally, students will prepare interactive stations for the 'Forces in Motion Fair' where they will present their games and engage visitors in hands-on learning experiences.

Launch

Kick off the project with a visit to the Ruben H. Fleet Science Museum, where students can explore interactive exhibits related to forces and motion. Following the visit, hold a brainstorming session where students discuss their favorite playground games and identify the forces at play. Encourage students to sketch initial ideas for a new playground game that incorporates these forces, setting the stage for their design challenge.

Exhibition

Invite families, friends, and community members to the 'Forces in Motion Fair,' where students will present their playground game designs. Set up interactive stations where guests can actively engage with the games, experiencing firsthand the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces. Encourage students to explain the science behind their designs, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the principles they've applied.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Kickoff Visit to Science Museum - Explore interactive exhibits on forces and motion to spark curiosity and inspiration for playground game design (45 min)	Brainstorm Playground Games - Discuss favorite playground games, identify forces involved, and sketch initial game ideas incorporating balanced and unbalanced forces (20 min) Introduction to Forces - Conduct a hands-on experiment using a ball and box to demonstrate balanced vs. unbalanced forces, and discuss observations (25 min)	Force Investigation Planning - Plan an investigation to explore how different forces affect motion, focusing on one variable such as size or direction of the force (20 min) Experimental Setup - Set up simple experiments with objects like marbles and ramps to test predictions about force and motion (25 min)	Conduct Investigations - Carry out planned experiments, systematically varying one variable to observe its effect on motion, and record observations (30 min) Group Discussion - Share findings with peers, discussing patterns and drawing conclusions about force effects (15 min)	Reflect and Sketch - Reflect on the week's experiments and sketch detailed design plans for a playground game utilizing observed force principles (25 min) Peer Feedback Session - Present sketches and receive feedback from peers on game design ideas, focusing on the application of force concepts (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Each student creates and submits a sketch of their initial playground game idea, including a brief written explanation of the forces involved.
Preparation	1. Arrange the visit to the Ruben H. Fleet Science Museum, including permissions and transportation. 2. Prepare materials for the brainstorming session, such as chart paper, markers, and reference images of playground games. 3. Gather a variety of objects (e.g., toy cars, balls, blocks) for the hands-on activity to explore forces. 4. Set up a classroom space conducive to group discussions and creative thinking. 5. Provide students with sketch paper and pencils for their initial game design drafts.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Design Challenge Introduction - Introduce the essential question and discuss how principles of balanced and unbalanced forces can be used in playground game designs (20 min) Game Design Brainstorm - Collaborate in groups to brainstorm creative playground game ideas using force principles, focusing on safety and enjoyment (25 min)	Prototype Planning - Develop detailed plans for a playground game prototype, including force analysis and safety features (25 min) Material Selection - Identify and gather materials needed for prototype construction, considering availability and suitability for force experiments (20 min)	Prototype Construction - Begin building playground game prototypes using selected materials, applying knowledge of balanced and unbalanced forces (30 min) Testing Protocol Development - Design a protocol for testing prototypes to evaluate the effectiveness of force principles and safety features (15 min)	Prototype Testing - Test playground game prototypes, observe motion and force effects, and record findings based on testing protocol (30 min) Data Analysis and Reflection - Analyze test data to identify patterns and insights, and reflect on design improvements (15 min)	Design Iteration - Revise prototype designs based on test results and peer feedback, focusing on optimizing force interactions for fun and safety (25 min) Peer Review Session - Present revised prototypes to peers, gather additional feedback, and discuss scientific principles applied (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Complete and submit a worksheet that documents observations from the force experiments. 2. Create an initial sketch and written explanation of their playground game design, highlighting the role of balanced and unbalanced forces.
Preparation	1. Prepare materials for force demonstrations, such as boxes, weights, balls, and surfaces with varying friction. 2. Create and print worksheets for data collection and pattern analysis. 3. Gather drawing materials like sketch pads, pencils, and colored markers for the design planning activity. 4. Set up classroom stations with relevant resources to facilitate hands-on experimentation and collaborative discussions.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Prototype Refinement - Make necessary refinements to playground game prototypes based on feedback from the previous week, focusing on force interactions (25 min) Safety Features Analysis - Analyze and enhance the safety features of the game design to ensure a safe play experience (20 min)	Force and Motion Journaling - Document observations on how different forces affect the motion of the prototype, using drawings and notes (20 min) Peer Review Roundtable - Present refined prototypes to peers for additional feedback and insights on force principles (25 min)	Interactive Workshop with Museum Partners - Engage in a collaborative session with museum experts to explore real-world applications of forces in games (45 min)	Prototype Trials - Conduct multiple trials of the refined playground games, gather data on motion patterns, and note any new observations (30 min) Data Sharing Session - Share trial data with peers to discuss patterns and force applications, and brainstorm potential improvements (15 min)	Final Adjustments and Documentation - Implement final adjustments to the prototypes and complete detailed documentation of the design (25 min) Preparation for Video Presentation - Plan and rehearse for the video presentation, highlighting key force concepts and safety measures in the game design (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed prototype of the playground game designed by each group. 2. Science journal entries detailing observations, reflections, and insights from experiments and design activities.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for experiments and prototype construction, including rubber bands, marbles, cardboard, paper, tape, and small objects. 2. Prepare a space for group collaboration and prototype testing, ensuring ample room for movement and interaction. 3. Create a framework for science journal entries, outlining key points students should cover in their documentation. 4. Coordinate with the Ruben H. Fleet Science Museum to provide additional resources or insights related to forces and motion.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Video Production Workshop - Learn and apply video techniques to effectively showcase playground games and explain scientific principles (20 min) Storyboard Creation - Draft storyboards for video presentations, focusing on sequence, key concepts, and visual storytelling (25 min)	Filming Session - Record video footage of playground games in action, emphasizing force interactions and safety features (30 min) Voiceover and Narration - Develop and record voiceovers that clearly explain the science behind the game designs (15 min)	Video Editing and Assembly - Edit video clips, integrate narration, and compile complete presentations highlighting balanced and unbalanced forces (30 min) Peer Review of Videos - Share video drafts with peers for constructive feedback on clarity and scientific content (15 min)	Final Video Revisions - Make improvements to video presentations based on peer feedback, ensuring clear demonstration of scientific principles (25 min) Exhibition Preparation - Plan interactive stations and prepare materials for 'Forces in Motion Fair,' ensuring engaging visitor experiences (20 min)	Rehearsal for Exhibition - Practice presenting playground games and their scientific principles to visitors, refining communication skills (25 min) Invitation Creation - Design and distribute invitations for the 'Forces in Motion Fair' to families and community members (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed investigation logs with observations and predictions. 2. Revised playground game design plans with specific details on force application. 3. Draft script for the video presentation, highlighting the scientific principles applied in their game design.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for experiments, such as toy cars, balls, ramps, and measuring tapes. 2. Prepare investigation logs for students to record observations and predictions. 3. Set up a schedule for peer review sessions, ensuring each group has adequate time and space. 4. Provide cameras or devices for video recording, along with instructions on how to use them. 5. Arrange for any necessary technology support for video editing, if needed.

Week 5	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Final Exhibition Setup - Arrange interactive stations and ensure all materials and games are ready for the 'Forces in Motion Fair' (25 min) Exhibition Walkthrough - Conduct a practice walkthrough of the fair with peers, ensuring smooth transitions and engaging experiences (20 min)	Dress Rehearsal - Practice presenting playground games to peers, focusing on clear communication of scientific principles and safety features (30 min) Feedback Integration - Incorporate peer feedback to refine presentations and interactive station setups (15 min)	Community Partner Collaboration - Engage with museum partners for final advice and support on exhibition setup and scientific accuracy (20 min) Final Presentation Polish - Enhance presentation skills and ensure all technical aspects of video and station setup are working effectively (25 min)	Forces in Motion Fair Execution - Host the exhibition for family and community members, guiding guests through interactive stations and explaining scientific concepts (45 min)	Reflection and Celebration - Reflect on the learning journey and celebrate accomplishments, discussing insights gained and future applications of force principles (20 min) Thank You Notes - Write and distribute thank you notes to museum partners, family members, and peers for their support and participation (25 min)
Deliverables	1. Final Playground Game Design 2. Video Presentation Demonstrating Game and Explaining Scientific Principles 3. Interactive Station Setup for Exhibition 4. Reflection on Learning Experience
Preparation	1. Ensure video recording equipment is available and functional for students to use. 2. Prepare materials for interactive stations, including any additional props or signage needed for the exhibition. 3. Coordinate with the venue for the 'Forces in Motion Fair', ensuring space and resources are ready for the event. 4. Arrange for community members, such as museum representatives, to attend the exhibition and provide feedback. 5. Gather feedback forms or digital tools for collecting visitor responses during the exhibition.