Gayton

Gator Golf

Henrico Learner Profile (HLP) 6C Focus

5th Grade - Science

SOL/Standard - 5.3 The student will investigate and understand that there is a relationship between force and energy of moving objects. 

Learning Experience

As part of their science unit on force and motion, fifth-grade students investigated changes in motion that occur when objects collide. After making observations and collecting data, they applied what they learned to help Drive Shack design their new miniature golf course. In doing so, students created Gator Golf, a miniature golf course with 20 individual holes, each involving multiple golf ball collisions. To present their learning, fifth graders invited students in kindergarten, first, and second grades to come play and review their learning of force and motion. During play, fifth-graders collected stroke data, which was then analyzed during math class. Additionally, students will share with parents at a family golf night at Drive Shack in April! 

What did the student(s) learn about this experience:

"Not only did I learn about force, motion, and collisions, but Gator Golf also taught me about teamwork. I enjoyed working with new people and having the younger students come play." - Jaden

What did the teacher enjoy about this experience:

"Gator Golf was not only fun, but it was an engaging, collaborative experience for our students. We paired our students with their classmates, and students in other classes. They had to agree on a plan, follow the instructions for materials, and add a creative twist to their hole to make it unique from the others. I enjoyed watching students work through disagreements, think through design challenges, and work with new friends. It was such an awesome project!" - Molly Farrell, 5th Grade Teacher

Additional Pictures, Media & Artifacts

Gator Golf.mp4

Check out the project from start to finish!

Collaboratively brainstorming and designing.

Creating, testing, and redesigning.

Thank you to the innovators who helped make this experience possible: