Technology Enabled Projects for High School Physics

摘要

Abstract Technology Enabled Projects for High School PhysicsAbstract____ University has recently developed a curriculum (NASA-Threads) consisting of self-contained projects that integrate engineering, mathematics, and physics concepts. The curriculumuses hands-on projects that develop student ability to solve realistic multiple-step problems whilebringing excitement into the classroom. NASA-Threads utilizes NASA applications,fundamentals, technology, and communication throughout hands-on projects that are facilitatedby an inexpensive robotic platform. Fundamentals are taught in this active classroomenvironment as projects unfold. These hands-on projects build excitement and foster thedevelopment of student confidence and creativity. This paper provides clear examples of K12hands-on projects for teaching physics fundamentals, as well as assessment data regarding theexperiences of high school teachers.Several projects showcase a particular technology platform coupled with physics fundamentals.One of the keys to success is teaching the fundamental topics while allowing students todemonstrate the concepts through technology.Boe-bot (electricity): We use a micro-controller platform (Boe-bot) that provides the enablingtechnology for projects throughout the course. Students use multimeters to measure voltage andcurrent in simple circuits which each student constructs on the breadboard of their own Boe-Bot.Students build circuits containing resistors, capacitors, and LEDs. These circuits allow formeasurement of fundamental concepts of voltage, current, and power. Students additionally writeBASIC computer programs causing LEDs to blink with specified timings to showcase conceptsof problem solving and logic. Students extend their skills to develop a countdown timer thatutilizes a seven-segment LED number display. As students’ intuition for electricity develops,they are introduced to the coupling between electric current and magnetism.This paper will present additional hands-on projects including: Truss (vectors and forces),Speaker/Motor (magnetism), Servo-efficiency (work, energy), Accelerometer (programming,vectors, gravity), Guitar (waves, frequency, sound), Solar oven (heat), and Digital Media(projectile motion, gravity). All of these technologies are coupled with the physics fundamentalsto provide an engaging approach to teaching high school physics.