PLAYGROUND PHYSICS:
LEARNING SCIENCE THROUGH PLAY
Playground Physics is a middle-school science program that blends physical play with virtual activities to support inquiry-based learning aligned to Next Generation Science Standards. Students discover and explore the physics in their everyday lives through their physical play.
There are three components of Playground Physics: an app, a teacher activity guide, and professional development.
Playground Physics App
Using the app, they record a video of themselves playing, and then tap points along the way to trace a path of motion, and discover the motion, forces, and energy involved!
Students then analyze the data in their play performances via app-generated graphs and lenses focused on energy, force, and motion. Click on the video below to see it work.
Teacher Activity Guide
Designed with middle school classrooms in mind, the supplemental curriculum aligns to the Next Generation Science Standards by integrating core ideas, scientific practices, and cross-cutting concepts! The teacher activity guide provides three units on the topics of energy, force, and motion. The units each include 7 detailed lesson plans that can be implemented over 1–2 weeks.
Professional Development
Middle school physics teachers receive ongoing professional development to support effective implementation. This coordinated professional development program includes the following elements:
- In-person two-day workshop provided by NYSCATE
- Virtual one-on-one coaching
- Online community of practice with other teachers implementing Playground Physics
Learn how to participate!
If you would like to participate in the program, share your contact information using the form below and a member of the project team will reach out to you. If you have a question about the study, you may contact the study director Jonathan Margolin at (jmargolin@air.org).
