Newton's Laws in Action: Glove Design Challenge

6th Grade

Project
4 weeks

Newton's Laws in Action: Glove Design Challenge

Kathleen Schwille

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage sixth-grade students in a hands-on exploration of Newton's laws of motion through the design and creation of a functional boxing glove. By integrating physics with engineering, students will learn how these fundamental laws apply to real-world scenarios, particularly in sports. Through the process of designing, prototyping, and revising their gloves, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They will gain a deeper understanding of concepts such as force, mass, acceleration, and inertia, and how these factors contribute to the safety and effectiveness of sports equipment. By collaborating with community partners and participating in peer reviews, students will also enhance their communication and teamwork skills, preparing them for future academic and social endeavors.

Learning goals

In this project, students will explore and apply Newton's laws of motion through the design and creation of a boxing glove. They will gain a deep understanding of Newton's Third Law by examining how the glove's material and structure absorb impact and reduce reactive forces. Students will also delve into Newton's First Law by investigating how a boxing glove's design maintains the motion of a punch while protecting the hand. Additionally, students will learn about the engineering design process, developing skills in prototyping, testing, and refining their designs based on feedback from peers and community partners. Through this hands-on project, students will enhance their problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills, culminating in a functional boxing glove prototype and an educational presentation that highlights their understanding and application of physics in sports.

Standards

NGSS - MS-PS2-1: Apply Newton's Third Law to design a solution to a problem involving the motion of two colliding objects.
NGSS - MS-ETS1-2: Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.4: Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.

Products

Students will design and create a functional boxing glove prototype that effectively demonstrates the application of Newton's laws, focusing on safety and effectiveness. They will present their prototypes at a community exhibition, showcasing their understanding of physics and the engineering design process. Additionally, students will develop an educational video or digital presentation that explains how Newton's laws are integrated into their glove designs, highlighting the steps taken in their engineering process and displaying their prototypes. This project will culminate in a 'Science in Action: Boxing Glove Showcase' event, where students will share their learning journey with community members and receive feedback on their creations.

Launch

Kick off the project with an engaging 'Physics in the Ring' event at a local boxing gym. Begin with a brief introduction to Newton's laws and their relevance to sports, particularly boxing. Allow students to observe trainers demonstrating punches and movements, highlighting the physics behind each action. Students can then participate in hands-on activities, such as trying on boxing gloves and experiencing the impact forces firsthand. This immersive experience will spark curiosity and set the stage for their exploration of how Newton's laws influence the design and functionality of boxing gloves.

Exhibition

To effectively exhibit the product at the end of this project, host a 'Science in Action: Boxing Glove Showcase' event at the local boxing gym or martial arts studio. This event will serve as a platform for students to present their boxing glove prototypes, demonstrating how they applied Newton's laws in their designs. Invite trainers, students' families, and community members to engage with the students' work. The interactive setting will allow attendees to try on the gloves and experience the physics concepts firsthand. This exhibition not only celebrates the students' learning journey but also provides an opportunity for them to communicate their understanding of the engineering design process and the application of scientific principles in real-world contexts.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Introduction to Newton's Laws - Begin with a classroom discussion on Newton's laws of motion. Use real-world examples, particularly from sports, to illustrate each law. Engage students in a Q&A session to gauge prior knowledge and spark interest.	Activity 2: 'Physics in the Ring' Event - Visit a local boxing gym to observe and participate in a 'Physics in the Ring' event. Students will watch demonstrations of punches and movements while trainers explain the physics involved. Students will have the opportunity to wear boxing gloves and experience impact forces.	Activity 3: Reflection and Discussion - Back in the classroom, facilitate a reflection session where students discuss their observations from the boxing gym. Use guiding questions to help them connect the demonstrations to Newton's laws.	Activity 4: Group Assignment - Form student groups and assign the task of researching how Newton's laws are applied in sports equipment design, focusing on boxing gloves. Each group will prepare a short presentation on their findings.	Activity 5: Group Presentations - Have each group present their research findings to the class. Encourage peer feedback and facilitate a discussion on the key points from each presentation.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Group research presentation on Newton's laws and their application in sports equipment design, focusing on boxing gloves. 2. Deliverable 2: Individual reflection journal entry summarizing observations and insights gained from the 'Physics in the Ring' event.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Arrange the 'Physics in the Ring' event at a local boxing gym, including securing permissions and coordinating with trainers for demonstrations. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Prepare a presentation on Newton's laws with real-world examples related to sports, including visuals and videos to enhance understanding. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Create a list of guiding questions for the reflection and discussion session to help students connect their observations to Newton's laws. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Develop a rubric for assessing group research presentations to ensure consistent and fair evaluation.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Introduction to the Engineering Design Process - Begin with an interactive lecture on the engineering design process. Use case studies or examples of sports equipment design to illustrate the steps involved.	Activity 2: Brainstorming Session - In groups, students brainstorm initial design ideas for their boxing gloves. Encourage creativity and emphasize the importance of considering Newton's laws in their designs.	Activity 3: Research and Material Selection - Students research different materials that could be used in their glove designs. Discuss the properties of materials, such as durability and ability to absorb impact, and have students select the materials they believe will be most effective.	Activity 4: Sketching Initial Designs - Each group creates sketches of their initial boxing glove designs, incorporating the materials selected. Encourage students to label key features and explain how their design applies Newton's laws.	Activity 5: Peer Feedback Session - Groups present their initial designs and receive feedback from peers. Facilitate a feedback session focusing on the application of physics concepts and the feasibility of their designs.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Group sketches of initial boxing glove designs with labeled features and explanations of how Newton's laws are applied. 2. Deliverable 2: A list of selected materials for the boxing glove design with a rationale for each choice.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Develop a presentation on the engineering design process with examples relevant to sports equipment. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Gather resources on material properties and their applications in sports equipment design for student research. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Create a feedback form or guide to assist students in providing constructive peer feedback. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Set up a classroom space conducive to group work and brainstorming sessions, ensuring access to necessary materials and technology.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Prototyping Session - Students begin constructing the initial prototypes of their boxing gloves based on their sketches and selected materials. Encourage them to apply their understanding of Newton's laws during the building process.	Activity 2: Testing and Observation - Once the prototypes are constructed, students conduct tests to observe the effectiveness of their designs. They should focus on how well the gloves absorb impact and protect the hand, documenting their observations.	Activity 3: Data Analysis - Students analyze the data collected during testing, identifying strengths and weaknesses in their designs. Facilitate a discussion on how the data reflects the application of Newton's laws.	Activity 4: Design Revisions - Based on the data analysis, students work in their groups to make necessary revisions to their boxing glove designs. Encourage them to consider peer feedback and material performance in their redesigns.	Activity 5: Peer Review and Feedback - Groups present their revised prototypes to the class. Facilitate a peer review session where students provide constructive feedback, focusing on the application of physics concepts and design improvements.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Initial boxing glove prototype constructed by each group, accompanied by a brief report documenting the testing process and observations. 2. Deliverable 2: Revised design sketches and a summary of the changes made based on testing data and peer feedback.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Prepare a workshop on prototyping techniques, including tips on using tools and materials safely and effectively. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Develop guidelines and a checklist for testing prototypes, ensuring that students focus on relevant physics principles. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Create a data analysis template to help students systematically record and interpret their observations. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Set up a space for testing prototypes, ensuring it is safe and equipped with necessary tools and materials. 5. Teacher Preparation Task 5: Facilitate a peer review framework or rubric to guide students in providing focused and constructive feedback.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Final Prototype Refinement - Students make final adjustments to their boxing glove prototypes. Encourage them to apply all feedback and insights gained from previous sessions to enhance safety and effectiveness.	Activity 2: Educational Video/Digital Presentation Creation - Students work in groups to develop an educational video or digital presentation. This should explain how Newton's laws are integrated into their glove designs, highlight the engineering design process, and display their prototypes.	Activity 3: Presentation Rehearsal - Groups rehearse their presentations, focusing on clear communication of the scientific principles and design process. Provide guidance on effective presentation skills, such as eye contact and voice projection.	Activity 4: Exhibition Preparation - Students prepare for the 'Science in Action: Boxing Glove Showcase' event. This includes organizing their materials, setting up displays, and practicing answers to potential questions from the audience.	Activity 5: Science in Action: Boxing Glove Showcase - Host the showcase event at a local boxing gym or martial arts studio. Students present their prototypes and educational videos to community members, trainers, and family, receiving feedback and engaging in discussions about their work.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Final boxing glove prototype with a comprehensive report detailing the design process, testing results, and final refinements. 2. Deliverable 2: Educational video or digital presentation that explains the application of Newton's laws in their design and highlights the engineering design process.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Review and provide feedback on students' educational videos/digital presentations to ensure clarity and scientific accuracy. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Arrange logistics for the 'Science in Action: Boxing Glove Showcase' event, including coordinating with the venue, inviting community partners, and setting up the exhibition space. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Develop a checklist for students to use in preparing their displays and presentations for the showcase event. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Prepare evaluation criteria for assessing students' final prototypes and presentations during the showcase event. 5. Teacher Preparation Task 5: Organize a debrief session for after the showcase event to discuss what students learned and gather feedback on the project experience.