A project - based learning for studying motion unit.

1. PROJECT OVERVIEW
Name of Project: Single Motion with Multiple Observers Duration: 4 weeks, on-going
Subject/Course: Physical Science (Physics) Teacher(s): Ms. Dogoldogol Grade Level: Grade 8
Other subject areas to Science Elective, Media and Technology
be included, if any:
Project Idea Students will create a model or a film a video that will show a scenario where an object in motion is viewed by two different observers. Students
Summary of the issue, will describe motion of the object in terms of its position, speed, velocity and motion graphs. Students will then compare and contrast two
challenge, investigation, descriptions of an object’s motion made by the two different observers from two different frames of reference. Students will cite situations where
scenario, or problem: this motion analysis is applied in real world (crash analysis, design of products, etc.) and explain how it is being applied.
Driving Question How would a person’s description of an object’s motion be different or the same from another person how watches it at a different
reference frame?
Content and Skills Science Content Standards for Grade 8: Motion Standards 1.a, 1.b, 1.c, 1.d, 1.e, 1.f
Standards to be
addressed:
T+A E T+A E
21st Century Skills Collaboration: work in teams of 3 ✓ Other:
to be explicitly taught and
assessed (T+A) or that
will be encouraged (E) by
Presentation: present by teams ✓ Using technology ✓
project work, but not
taught or assessed:
Critical Thinking: ✓ ✓
Presentation Audience:
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2. Group: -Model of the object or video clip of the object in motion being studied and the two observers ✓
Culminating -PowerPoint presentation (at least 7 slides) that will focus on comparing the two different descriptions Class:
Products and of the same motion (slides will include title of the project with the students’ names, description of the
Performances object and observers, comparisons of position, speed, velocity, graph of speed, application of motion
analysis) School:
Community:
- Completed project written report Experts:
Individual: - Reflection
Web:
Other:
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Entry event to http://brightstorm.com/science/physics/linear-and-projectile-motion/relativity-in-motion
launch inquiry, Video clip – motion of the universe
engage students:
Assessments Quizzes/Tests ✓ Practice Presentations ✓
Formative
Assessments Journal/Learning Log ✓ Notes ✓
(During
Project) Preliminary Plans/Outlines/Prototypes ✓ Checklists ✓
Rough Drafts ✓ Concept Maps ✓
Online Tests/Exams Other:
Written Product(s), with rubric: Other Product(s) or Performance(s), with rubric:
Summative __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________
Assessments
(End of Project) Oral Presentation, with rubric ✓ Peer Evaluation ✓
Multiple Choice/Short Answer Test ✓ Self-Evaluation ✓
Essay Test Other:
.
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3. Resources On-site people, facilities: Teacher assistance (Core subjects and elective), library, after school/ lunch club support for filming
Needed
Equipment: Video camera, computers
Materials: Project guide document, stop watch/timer, meter sticks
Community resources: Parental support
Reflection Journal/Learning Log Focus Group
Methods (Individual,
Group, and/or Whole-Class Discussion ✓ Fishbowl Discussion ✓
Whole Class)
Survey Other: Journal Reflection (Online) ✓
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4. PROJECT TEACHING AND LEARNING GUIDE
Project: Single Motion with Multiple Observers Course/Semester: Science/ Fall
Knowledge and Skills Needed By Students Scaffolding / Materials/ Lessons To Be Provided
to successfully complete culminating products and by the project teacher, other teachers, experts,
performances, and do well on summative assessments mentors, or community members
Lessons with lectures, hands-on and problem-solving
Concepts about position, speed, velocity, graphing motion strategies will be provided by the teacher
parameters, relative motion 
Assistance from Media teacher in creating short films; elective
Designing models or filming a video (creating a blueprint of  classes will support designing and creating blueprints into
the model or storyboard for the video) models
List of trusted and useful websites will be provided to help the
Online Research skills for application of motion analysis
 students get a start
Graphing practice will be done in class individually or in
Graphing of distance vs. time or speed vs. time using Excel
 pairs/teams during the unit
Skills will be learned and practiced in class. After school or
Presentation using PowerPoint
 lunch time will be provided for extra tutorial time


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5. PROJECT CALENDAR
Project: Single Motion with Multiple Observers Start Date: September 9, 2011 – October 14, 2011
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
Project Week One
Presentation of Project
Expectations Blueprint/Storyboard
Concepts – Speed Concepts - Speed Concept/ Quiz
Review – Position, Making
Displacement
Project Week Two
Update by teams: Quick
Creating the Models/
Presentation of Choices Concepts – Velocity Concepts – Graphing Concepts/Quiz
Filming the Videos
(Video or Model)
Project Week Three
Preparing PowerPoint
Update by teams Concepts – Graphing Concepts Concept/Quiz
presentation by groups
Project Week Four
Concepts – Introduction to Presentation by groups:
Forces Unit Concepts Concepts Presentation by groups: (10 min each)
(Finalizing (Finalizing Projects) (Finalizing Projects) (10 min each)
Projects/Critiquing) Group Fishbowl
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6. © 2008 Buck Institute for Education 6