Ramps and Bungee Cords (AAPT Summer 2015)

The Next Generation Standards call for the integration of modeling, content and engineering within science classrooms. In our energy unit, students “discover” energy conservation by analyzing speed data obtained from rolling marbles down a series of ramps of different heights and slopes. After some significant practice applying the concept, students apply energy conservation to design and build a rubber band bungee cord to provide a safe, yet thrilling drop, for a raw egg. Participants in this session will explore this unit, collecting their own data and building their own bungee cord while seeing how we incorporate formative and summative assessment, as well as “5E” design, throughout the unit to ensure student success.