3rd Grade  Project 6 weeks

Rollin' Through Geometry: Low Rider Physics

Nicole Q
Updated
Effective Communication
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Content Expertise
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

Students will engage in a hands-on exploration of lowrider culture by building their own moving lowrider models. This project involves collaborating with the local California Automobile Museum and lowrider community members to gather insights and inspiration. Through the integration of science concepts like force and motion with math skills in measurement, geometry, and data, students will enhance their understanding of real-world applications. The experience also emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and self-directed learning, culminating in personal reflections and presentations at an exhibition night.

Learning goals

Students will explore the principles of force and motion through hands-on activities, such as building and testing their own lowrider models. They will apply mathematical concepts in measurement and geometry to design their lowriders, while developing their writing skills by composing reflective pieces on field trips and their project outcomes. Through collaboration with peers and community partners, students will cultivate effective communication and critical thinking skills as they present their findings and engage with real-world lowrider culture. Exhibiting their projects allows students to connect with their sense of community identity and deepen their self-directed learning.

Competencies
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • 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.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • 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.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.

Products

Students will design and construct their own moving lowriders, incorporating geometry and measurement data to ensure structural integrity and motion efficiency. Each student will create a detailed writing piece that narrates the significance of lowriders within Sacramento's community and lowrider culture. At the culmination of the project, students will present their lowrider models and accompanying narratives at the school's exhibition night, showcasing their understanding of force and motion principles through practical application. Student products will be critiqued by peers and refined based on community partner and peer feedback.

Launch

Begin the project by inviting a local lowrider enthusiast to demonstrate how a lowrider moves using a real vehicle. Facilitate an interactive discussion involving students' observations related to force, motion, and the community significance of lowriders. Follow this with a visit to the California Automobile Museum to explore exhibits that illustrate the historical and cultural context of lowriders, sparking students' curiosity and setting a vibrant tone for the project.

Exhibition

Students will present their moving lowriders to family, friends, and peers during the exhibition night at the school. Each student will showcase their innovative design, explaining the force and motion principles that allow their lowrider to move. The presentation will include narratives about the cultural significance of lowriders in Sacramento, as well as sharing reflections gathered from field trips and community interactions. Attendees can engage with students, providing feedback and asking questions, fostering an environment of collaborative learning and appreciation.