Zooming Through Motion Madness!

Plan

9th Grade Project 4 weeks

Zooming Through Motion Madness!

Tim M

HS-PS2-1

HS-PS4-1

Self Directed Learning

Academic Mindset

+ 1 more

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Purpose

Students will engage in a dynamic, hands-on exploration of speed, velocity, and acceleration by analyzing and enhancing sports performance. Through collaboration with local sports teams, students will apply scientific principles to real-world scenarios, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The project encourages self-directed learning and reflection, culminating in a community exhibition where students present their findings and models, demonstrating their understanding of motion and its applications.

Learning goals

Students will analyze and apply the principles of speed, velocity, and acceleration to evaluate and enhance sports performance, using real-world data from community sports teams. They will create models or simulations to predict motion and design solutions for safe and efficient roller coasters, integrating mathematical representations. Through self-directed learning and critical thinking, students will engage in reflective practices, using feedback to refine their understanding and approach. The project will culminate in a presentation of their findings and models to the high school staff and community, demonstrating their ability to connect scientific concepts to practical applications.

Standards

[Next Generation Science Standards] HS-PS2-1 - Analyze data to support the claim that Newton's second law of motion describes the mathematical relationship among the net force on a macroscopic object, its mass, and its acceleration.
[Next Generation Science Standards] HS-PS2-1 - Analyze data to support the claim that Newton's second law of motion describes the mathematical relationship among the net force on a macroscopic object, its mass, and its acceleration.
[Next Generation Science Standards] HS-PS4-1 - Use mathematical representations to support a claim regarding relationships among the frequency, wavelength, and speed of waves traveling in various media.

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.

Products

Students will create a dynamic visual display showcasing their analysis of sports performance through the lens of speed, velocity, and acceleration. They will develop mathematical models to simulate the motion of sports equipment or athletes, presenting their findings in a portfolio that includes data analysis and reflective insights. Additionally, students will produce a presentation for the high school staff and community, demonstrating their understanding and innovative approaches to enhancing sports performance using the principles learned.

Launch

Kick off the project with a dynamic sports day event, where students participate in various sports activities such as sprinting, relay races, and obstacle courses. During these activities, students will collect data on their speed, velocity, and acceleration using stopwatches and measuring tapes. This hands-on experience will serve as a foundation for analyzing how these principles apply to sports performance, setting the stage for deeper exploration and application throughout the project.

Exhibition

Students will host a dynamic showcase event where they present their findings and projects to the high school staff and community members. Each group will create interactive displays or simulations that demonstrate their analysis of sports performance using speed, velocity, and acceleration. The exhibition will include live demonstrations, such as motion experiments with sports equipment, and digital presentations that highlight their data analysis and conclusions. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with students, ask questions, and provide feedback on their innovative approaches to enhancing sports performance. This event will celebrate the students' hard work and foster a collaborative environment for sharing knowledge and insights.