Standard #5 Innovative Applications of Content
The teacher understands how to connect concepts
and use differing perspectives to engage learners
in critical/creative thinking and collaborative
problem-solving related to authentic local and
global issues.
Artifact
The activity attached has kids or a teacher demonstrate Newton’s 3rd Law via a skateboard or electric cars, pencils and a piece of cardboard. Using the skateboard, teachers safely demonstrate the classic accident where you kick the skateboard behind you as your body falls forward. This shows that there is an equal and opposite reaction with every action. This engages students, especially when paired with funny fail videos on YouTube, as most of them have been in similar situations and enjoy finding out why. The demonstration of a relevant accident encourages kids to observe other everyday occurrences and apply scientific thinking to the action.
Scale “WOW” video/ If The Moon Were Only 1 Pixel
The above activity shows how the size of the earth is comparable to the size of other celestial bodies. Students will see that the earth is outrageously small when compared to other large celestial bodies which can create discussion on the size and comparable gravitational pull of other celestial phenomenon. Discussion on size of celestial bodies also ties in gravity and its affects on other objects which creates further discussion and collaboration between students in class. This activity also ties in physics and past knowledge as gravity is a physics based understanding and using concepts of gravity previously discussed in class. A teacher can review past concepts and discuss local or everyday phenomenon with their students.
