Physics Olympics

Overview

Students began by studying the science behind waves, motion, and energy. In BBK, they explored the parts of waves and different forms (light, sound, heat) as well as energy seen in heartbeats and brainwaves. They then explored the concepts of fundamental physics, starting with balanced and unbalanced forces and Newton’s 1st Law, and determined the forms of energy that we can see in our world. This new learning was connected to an Olympic or Paralympic sport that each student chose to research. Students connected what they learned about physics to the sport they choose. They then moved into studying Newton’s 2nd and 3rd Laws of Motion and explored the ideas of force, motion, and impact. They connected those laws to their chosen sport, as well. Students further analyzed the physics of motion in Olympic sports by meeting with athletes and visiting the local Olympic museum. They made connections between energy and motion in relation to physical movement and how it impacts athletes. Students then created visual art through a chosen medium. Their visual art captures the physics of motion in their sport. These were shared with the Colorado Springs Olympic and Paralympic Museum.

Standards

4.PS.2a Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat and electric currents. 

3.PS.1b Make observations and/or measurements of an object’s motion to provide evidence that a pattern can be used to predict future motion.

4.PS.1a Use evidence to construct an explanation relating the speed of an object to the energy of that object. 

4.WC.3.22. Write informative/explanatory texts using text structures appropriate for the purpose and developed through facts, definitions, concrete details, precise language, and domain-specific vocabulary.

3.R.2.2 Apply strategies to fluently read and comprehend various informational texts.

3.RID.1.1 Gather, interpret, and communicate information discovered during short research projects.

Long Term Learning Targets

I can create a high quality piece of artwork that illustrates Newton’s Laws of motion in my Olympic/Paralympic sport.

I can write an explanation about Olympic and Paralympic sports that uses examples and content specific vocabulary for how Newton’s Laws are shown.