Submitted by: Jackie Davis, Nancy Loveless
School: Carver Elementary
Summary
Students will combine science and physical education in a hands-on activity investigating the effect
of friction on moving objects. Students will run around the gym in their shoes, socks, and plastic
grocery bags, measuring the number of steps they take with a pedometer. Students will collect data
by recording their steps and videotaping their movements. They will complete a diary, make
observations, and graph data to analyze and understand the effects of different degrees of friction.
TIPC Ratings
We provided students with technology tools such as pedometers, video recorders, and
spreadsheet software which allowed the students to evaluate and draw conclusions from our
science activity. Students formed thoughts of how the activity would take place, performed the
activity, and then drew conclusions based on applying skills and knowledge about friction. They worked with other students to evaluate their movements and collect data. They also formed
conclusions based on this activity as to how this would relate to real-world situations. Students
use specific digital tools and other resources provided to assemble, evaluate and utilize
information.
Students used pedometers to collect data, graphs to chart the data, video to observe their
movements, and diaries to connect all parts of the activity so that students may draw
conclusions. Students select from a variety of resources to draw conclusions based on clear evidence. Students use resources to solve problems which have multiple solutions; then reflect on the
product.
As team members, students collaborated with partners to record data and share
experiences. Students used this information to draw conclusions and verbalize their conclusions
into their diaries. Students communicated ethically within and beyond the classroom using a variety of
resources. Student communication is partially teacher directed.
Students used different technology to put all the data together and draw conclusions based on
the evidence. Students combined science and physical education to produce a solution based
on movement principles with varying degrees of friction. Predictions, data collection and
analysis, and conclusions were documented in individual student diaries.
