SELF-CHECK
Here is a detailed explanation of the objectives of Performance Task 1!
Looking back at the course, one of the activities that best allowed me to display scientific skills and attitudes would be Performance Task 1: Marble Roller Coaster Track, which was the first and only performance task for the General Physics 2. In this particular assessment, we were tasked with designing and constructing a roller coaster track, as a means of applying what we learned from force, motion, energy, work, and power. The track itself also had various conditions to be met, such as having at least two hills and one hoop, as well as a maximum length of 1.0 m. Furthermore, the track should also be constructed in a way such that if a marble were dropped from the tip of the track, it can reach the end of the track with ease.
With regards to the scientific skills or attitudes I had to exhibit, some of these would be attentiveness and patience. This is mainly because I had to test the marble on the track over and over again while making the track itself, as I had to adjust the track if the marble could not cross obstacles such as the hills or loops. Furthermore, I also displayed constant determination during the construction of the track itself, as I made sure not to give up despite spending numerous hours making the track out of paper. Upon finally completing the track and the experiment successfully, I had to be observant and analytical when it came to the process of writing my report, as I had to explain what was occurring in the project, in great detail. Furthermore, I also had to prepare solutions regarding other values needed by the report.
Here are some pictures of the roller coaster track I made for Performance Task 1!
Moving on to possible recommendations or suggestions for this performance task, I would recommend that there be a simple contest within the class, if such is possible. In this simple contest there can be various categories such as most creative track design, and other similar ones, which the class can vote on. Although this is a rather simple and small-scale contest, it can inspire members of the class to be more creative or colorful in the roller coaster, as well as strengthen class unity, in a way.
In order to make this assessment more challenging, there can also be other requirements to be added such as the track needing at least one loop and three hills, or two loops and two hills. Along with that, there can also be another condition that has to be met, such as the track having a maximum height, if possible.