The Thinking Machine

This cooperative learning, inquiring based activity will add a new level to the word "Engaging"! The author has developed a project that could be used as a performance based assessment or i... See More

This cooperative learning, inquiring based activity will add a new level to the word "Engaging"! The author has developed a project that could be used as a performance based assessment or inquiry activity, tieing Newton's Laws with simple machines. All of the supplemental teacher support is included: detailed plans and procedure, rubric, extension suggestions and classroom management tips.

Great Project Idea for the End of the Unit/Year

I have been looking for a larger project to use at the end of our current unit. This activity would also make a great elaborate activity for teachers using the 5E learning cycle model of in... See More

I have been looking for a larger project to use at the end of our current unit. This activity would also make a great elaborate activity for teachers using the 5E learning cycle model of instruction. The directions are clear and easy to follow, and the warning labels (as to what could go wrong) appear to be clearly defined and discussed. I would have few drawbacks to completing this project, and they are also noted by the author. First, I teach multiple back-to-back classes, so I would need to be very organized about getting the lab areas cleaned up and supplies returned to their original boxes. Also, I would not be funded for this project, so all supplies would be paid for by me. My students are not always very respectful of school supplies, and I am concerned about broken or stolen items. Finally, my students work incredibly slow. I would need to plan for at least a week and a half for the full completion of this project. All said though, I still believe the positives outwe

Rube Goldberg Idea

This article describes what would be an excellent culminating project after a unit on machines. It gives clear directions on how students in a physics class can create a giant Rube Goldberg... See More

This article describes what would be an excellent culminating project after a unit on machines. It gives clear directions on how students in a physics class can create a giant Rube Goldberg type of machine. The best part is that it is a class project and students have to work together just like real scientists to come up with one working machine with parts from everyone.