1. Essential Questions Lesson
Due November 7
Amanda McKay
CED 505.20, Fall 2011
Title: Let's do work!
Grade: 11 Subject: Physical Science
Students are often confused by the use of the word 'work' in physics. They are
used to relating this term to getting homework done or going to work for a
paycheck. In physics, there is a different definition...work is done in physics when
Overview: a force is applied to an object and it moves a distance parallel to that force. This
means that if they carry around a backpack full of their books all day long, they
may get tired, but they are not doing physics work because they are applying a
force up (against gravity) and moving the object forward...those are not parallel.
Essential Question How is work (according to the physics definition) done each day in everyday life?
 What is required for physics work to be done?
Subsidiary  How are work and energy related?
Questions  How is physics work different than everyday work?
 When might you get tired, but not be doing physics work?
Science 1: In science, students in Missouri public schools will acquire a solid
foundation which includes knowledge of properties and principles of matter and
Connection to energy.
Standards Science 2: In science, students in Missouri public schools will acquire a solid
foundation which includes knowledge of properties and principles of force and
motion.
1. Class will brainstorm when work is being done. All ideas are recorded and
will be used later to compile a list of examples and non-examples of
physics work.
2. Teacher will show several video clips and do a few demonstrations of
physics work being done and everyday work being done and students will
be told when each is being done. They will record what happens in each
situation to determine what variables must be involved and what must
happen for work do be done in physics.
 Demonstrations: (lifting a weight over your head [physics work] vs.
Activities/Tasks
carrying a weight across the room [not physics work])
 Videos (technology): (weightlifter holding a weight in the air [not physics
Procedures
work] vs. strongman competitor pulling 6 semi-trucks forward [physics
work])
3. In pairs, students will take the list from the first step of this lesson and
separate it into examples and non-examples of physics work. They will
then partner up with another pair and compare and discuss their lists until
they agree. We can then as a class separate the list and come to a
consensus regarding what conditions must be met for work to be done
according to physics.

2. In order to show understanding of physics work, students will use a piece of
unlined computer paper in the landscape position split down the middle vertically
to draw two pictures. One must show physics work being done and the other
Assessment must be of the same theme, but show no physics work being done. An
explanation on a separate sheet of lined loose-leaf paper (or typed) must also be
provided for each illustration explaining why each is either work or not work
according to physics. The scoring guide is shown below this chart.
Students will submit their illustrations and explanations. The illustrations will be
Samples of Student hung in the classroom and the explanations will be returned to the students with
Work the scoring guide. If time permits, a learning walk will be done so students can
see each other's pictures.
Teacher
The problem with having students use their imagination is that some of them
Commentary
really have trouble doing it. Getting them started is the hardest part.
Reflection
Scoring Guide for Physics Work Illustrations
CATEGORY Lacking Approaching Meeting Minimum ( Exceeding
(0-1 point) (2-3 points) 4 points) (5 points)
Two or more of One of the meeting - All content is school All meeting
the meeting criteria is missing appropriate. criteria are met
criteria are OR some of the - Both illustrations AND the theme is
missing OR many meeting criteria are follow the same creative.
Illustration of the meeting incomplete. theme and are
criteria are labeled.
incomplete. - One illustration
shows work and the
other shows no work.
Two or more of One of the meeting - An explanation is All meeting
the meeting criteria is missing provided for the criteria are met
criteria are OR some of the 'work' and the 'no AND the
missing OR many meeting criteria are work' illustrations. explanation is
of the meeting incomplete. - Complete sentences typed.
Explanation
criteria are are used.
incomplete. - Both explanations
are correct regarding
the physics definition
of work.
Two or more of One of the meeting - Title is creative and All meeting
the meeting criteria is missing applies to the theme criteria are met
criteria are OR some of the and work. AND the student
missing OR many meeting criteria are - Illustration is neatly evaluates his/her-
Format of the meeting incomplete. done & colorful. self by circling
criteria are - Name is provided the criteria he/she
incomplete. on the BACK of the feels she has met
illustration. on the scoring
guide.
Comments: Total __________ / 15