Sunday, August 1, 2010

How Does an Airplane Fly?

How Does an Airplane Fly?

Subject Area: Science

Grade: 8

Summary: Students will conduct experimentation in which they manipulate the ailerons of a paper airplane to discover the effects that these changes have. They will collect data as a class and share that data via a Blog setup for students to collaborate. Students will mimic the engineering process by posting and critiquing data, and formulating ideas for further experimentation. All the discussion for the project will be conducted through the Blog.

Ohio Content Standards
Physical Sciences
Benchmarks (6 - 8)
B. In simple cases, describe the motion of objects and conceptually describe the effects of forces on an object.
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 8)
1. Describe how the change in the position (motion) of an object is always judged and described in comparison to a reference point.
3. Explain that an unbalanced force acting on an object changes that object's speed and/or direction.

B. Analyze and interpret data from scientific investigations using appropriate mathematical skills in order to draw valid conclusions.
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 8)
3. Read, construct and interpret data in various forms produced by self and others in both written and oral form (e.g., tables, charts, maps, graphs, diagrams, symbols).

5 comments:

  1. I really like that you are planning to have all of the discussion via blogging. This will allow each student to get their opinion out there. So many times just one or two students are the main participants in the classroom. Incorporating the blog for your discussion will allow each student to develop an opinion and participate.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you Hillary, you just reminded me of another good point of using Blogs. Research shows that most people are not shy when it comes to electronic communication. There's no fear associated with email, leaving blog comments, etc. I think you're correct, Blogs will allow some of our more reserved students to have a voice that they might not have in a traditional classroom.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is a great way for kids to experience the design process and gain feedback from peers. Students need to realize the importance of the old try, try again and with information gained fromthe blog they can make specific adjustments to their planes.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Very interesting method of evaluation and experimentation. It would be a great way to teach students how to create graphs and graphics and post them along with their entry.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love this idea....I can also see how a wiki could be a helpful tool for this project as well. You could even pair up with a "partner class" maybe through epals.

    ReplyDelete