All grades
Project
6 weeks
"Teen Motion: Playtime Revolution"
1-pager
The Challenge
Today's middle schoolers face a growing challenge as play shifts from physical movement to screen time, leading to decreased social interaction and physical activity. This trend impacts their physical and mental health, exacerbated by factors such as indoor confinement during winter months and limited space in urban settings. How might we use force, motion, and friction to invent new play experiences that help teens rediscover movement, and reconnect face to face?
Challenge Question
How might we use force, motion, and friction to invent new play experiences that help teens rediscover movement, and reconnect face to face?
Standards
- [Next Generation Science Standards] MS-PS2-1 - Apply Newton's Third Law to design a solution to a problem involving the motion of two colliding objects.
- [Next Generation Science Standards] PS.2.A - Forces and Motion
- [Next Generation Science Standards] MS-PS2-1 - Apply Newton's Third Law to design a solution to a problem involving the motion of two colliding objects.
Competencies
- Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
- Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
The Learning Journey
| Phase | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| Discover |
I can identify the challenge of teens' lack of physical movement and social interaction by participating in an engaging launch activity that sparks curiosity and conviction about the importance of active play.
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| Examine |
I can research the causes and effects of reduced physical activity among teens by investigating scientific principles like force, motion, and friction, and connecting these findings to real-world impacts on health and social behavior.
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| Engineer |
I can develop innovative play solutions that encourage movement and face-to-face interaction by designing and building prototypes that address specific barriers faced by Bronx teens.
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| Do |
I can test my play solution in real-world settings by collecting data on its effectiveness in promoting physical activity and social engagement among peers, refining the design based on feedback.
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| Share |
I can share my built solution and personal learning journey with an authentic audience, showcasing how my project addresses the challenge while reflecting on my growth and insights gained throughout the process.
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Plan
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Discover - Challenge Introduction - Facilitate an engaging launch activity where students watch a short video about the importance of physical play, followed by a discussion on how modern lifestyle impacts teens' physical and mental health. (30 min)
Discover - Empathy Mapping - Students engage in an empathy mapping exercise by interviewing peers about their play habits and challenges faced in staying active, recording insights to better understand the target audience. (60 min)
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Discover - Site Visit Simulation - Set up stations with images and videos simulating different play environments, allowing students to observe and document how space and weather affect movement activities in the Bronx. (45 min)
Discover - Reflection Circle - Facilitate a reflection circle where students share personal insights and connections gained from the empathy mapping and site visit simulation activities. (45 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Create a presentation that outlines the challenge question and the importance of reconnecting through movement.
2. Compile a list of observations and findings related to force, motion, and friction from hands-on activities. 3. Draft a research report summarizing the effects of reduced physical activity among teens. 4. Develop a list of potential play experience ideas addressing the challenge question and criteria. |
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| Preparation |
1. Secure collaboration with Bronx-based physical education teachers and community partners for insights and mentorship.
2. Gather materials for hands-on activities, such as balls, toy cars, ramps, and surfaces with different textures. 3. Prepare resources like articles, videos, and expert contacts for students' research session. 4. Set up brainstorming tools like whiteboards, sticky notes, and markers to facilitate idea generation. |
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| Week 2 | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Examine - Question Generation Workshop - Students collaborate to generate questions that deepen their understanding of the challenge and explore potential solutions related to force, motion, and friction. (30 min)
Examine - Text Analysis Session - Engage in reading and analyzing texts about the scientific principles of force and motion and their impact on health and social interactions. (30 min)
Examine - Video Research Exploration - Watch and discuss videos showcasing real-world applications of force, motion, and friction in play environments, noting possible approaches for solutions. (30 min)
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Examine - Scientific Investigation - Conduct hands-on experiments to explore force, motion, and friction, gathering data to uncover root causes and develop possible approaches. (45 min)
Examine - Seminar Discussion - Participate in seminar-style discussions to refine understanding and learn from diverse perspectives on the challenge and possible solutions. (45 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Deliverable 1: Friction Experiment Data Sheet - Students will submit a completed data sheet with observations and conclusions from their friction experiments.
2. Deliverable 2: Design Sketches and Idea Presentation - Students will present their initial design sketches and concept ideas to the class for feedback. |
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| Preparation |
1. Prep Task 1: Gather materials for the friction experiment, including a variety of surfaces (carpet, tile, sandpaper), toy cars or small objects with wheels, measuring tapes, and stopwatches.
2. Prep Task 2: Set up digital collaboration tools for the brainstorming session, ensuring all students have access and are familiar with the platform. 3. Prep Task 3: Coordinate with local makerspaces or innovation labs to provide resources and mentorship opportunities for students as they develop their design sketches. 4. Prep Task 4: Arrange for a guest speaker session with a Bronx-based physical education teacher to provide insights into effective movement activities and feedback on initial design ideas. |
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| Week 3 | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Engineer - Hypothesis Development - Students formulate a hypothesis predicting how their play solution will enhance movement and interaction, using evidence from their prior research. (20 min)
Engineer - Detailed Plan Creation - Students create a comprehensive plan outlining how they will build, test, and refine their play solution, including necessary materials and steps. (30 min)
Engineer - Peer Feedback Session - Students share their plans with a peer group and receive T.A.G. Feedback to refine their approach. (40 min)
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Engineer - Build Phase Kick-off - Students begin constructing their play solutions using provided materials and tools, focusing on precision and creativity. (45 min)
Engineer - Initial Testing - Students conduct initial tests of their solutions, noting any immediate issues or improvements needed for functionality and safety. (45 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Data report on friction and surface impact on movement
2. Revised prototype design incorporating kinetic energy understanding 3. Peer feedback documentation |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather various surface materials (sandpaper, rubber mats, fabric, plastic sheets) for friction experiments
2. Prepare measurement tools (stopwatches, rulers, spring scales) for kinetic energy demonstrations 3. Ensure availability of prototype materials (cardboard, wheels, adhesives) for design refinement 4. Set up a space for peer feedback sessions, including presentation tools and feedback forms |
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| Week 4 | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Do - Prototype Testing - Students test their play solutions in real-world settings, collecting data through observation, surveys, and video documentation to evaluate effectiveness in promoting movement and interaction. (45 min)
Do - Data Analysis Protocol - Students analyze the collected data to assess the impact of their solutions, focusing on engagement and movement metrics, and identify areas for improvement. (45 min)
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Do - Team Reflection Discussion - Facilitate a team discussion using guiding questions to evaluate how well the solution addresses the original challenge and explore opportunities for scaling the solution. (45 min)
Do - Scaling Solutions Brainstorm - Students brainstorm ways to scale their solution to benefit a larger audience, considering partnerships and resource needs for implementation. (45 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. A detailed report documenting the findings from the Friction & Surface Inquiry, including observations, data charts, and conclusions.
2. An updated prototype with design modifications based on feedback from the Gravity & Motion Inquiry. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather various materials with different textures for the Friction & Surface Inquiry (e.g., sandpaper, felt, rubber mats).
2. Prepare spinning and vertical motion toys for the Gravity & Motion Inquiry (e.g., spinning tops, yo-yos). 3. Organize lab notebooks and data collection sheets for students to record their observations and results. 4. Coordinate with Bronx-based physical education teachers and local makerspaces to provide insights and resources for prototyping activities. 5. Ensure access to digital tools for documentation and sharing findings. |
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| Week 5 | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Share - Understanding Check - Students complete a standards-aligned quiz to assess their grasp of key concepts, ensuring readiness for final presentations. (20 min)
Share - Evidence Selection - Students identify the most relevant data and insights to include in their final presentation, focusing on how their solution addresses the challenge. (30 min)
Share - Presentation Planning - Teams collaboratively decide the content and format of their presentation, outlining key sections and highlighting critical information for clarity and impact. (40 min)
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Share - Presentation Design - Students select a presentation tool (e.g., slides, video, or infographic) and begin designing the final product, incorporating visuals and data effectively. (45 min)
Share - Rehearsal and Feedback - Teams rehearse their presentation, receiving T.A.G. Feedback from peers to refine and improve their delivery and content. (45 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Deliverable 1: Refined prototype of a play tool designed to promote active movement and peer interaction, incorporating data from friction, gravity, kinetic, and potential energy inquiries.
2. Deliverable 2: Detailed documentation of experimental results from Friction & Surface Inquiry, Gravity & Motion Inquiry, Kinetic Energy Inquiry, and Potential Energy Inquiry, including observations and impact on design decisions. |
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| Preparation |
1. Prep Task 1: Gather materials for prototype refinement, including various surface textures, weights, and construction tools.
2. Prep Task 2: Coordinate with local physical education teachers to schedule real-world testing sessions. 3. Prep Task 3: Arrange access to local makerspaces or innovation labs for students to utilize tools and receive mentorship during prototyping. 4. Prep Task 4: Prepare data collection sheets and tools for students to record their experimental observations and results. 5. Prep Task 5: Organize collaboration with local health and wellness organizations to provide insights on adolescent mental and physical health considerations in design. |
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| Week 6 | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Share - Presentation Finalization - Students refine their presentation, incorporating feedback and ensuring all required elements are included. (45 min)
Share - Individual Reflection Preparation - Students prepare for individual reflection conversations with a panelist, outlining personal growth and insights gained during the project. (45 min)
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Share - Presentation Day - Students present their play solutions to an audience, responding to questions and showcasing how their design meets the challenge criteria. (60 min)
Share - Closing Circle and Experience Survey - Facilitate a closing circle where students celebrate their journey as changemakers, followed by completing an experience survey to capture feedback and insights. (30 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Revised Prototype with Documentation
2. Data Analysis Report 3. Presentation Slides and Visual Aids |
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| Preparation |
1. Arrange partnership with a local community center for prototype testing sessions.
2. Prepare data collection tools such as surveys, observation checklists, and video recording equipment. 3. Ensure access to materials and tools for prototype adjustments and iterations. 4. Organize a feedback session with local health and wellness organizations to provide additional insights. |
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