The target audience for this session is middle school science/STEM teachers. The intended level is intermediate to advanced due to the science content standards. The session format is a hands-on workshop.
Students graph data using Lego Spike Prime kits; they build several devices to visualize energy through graphing data. From Lego - “In this unit, your students will construct, analyze, and/or interpret graphical displays of data to describe the relationships between types of energy (i.e., metabolic, potential, and kinetic) and an object's acceleration. Developing models to illustrate the amount of energy stored in a system, they'll practice finding mathematical relations and play with statistics and probability to find answers to a scientific question. In doing so, your students must consider the limitations of data analysis (e.g., measurement error) and/or seek to improve the precision and accuracy of data using better technological tools and methods (e.g., multiple trials).”
The lessons are: 1. Stretch the Data: Match graph values and explore margins of error qualitatively. 2. This is Uphill: Graph energy consumption to gain potential energy. 3. Time for Squat Jumps: Graph potential energy at the maximum height of a jump. 4. Watch Your Steps: Explore kinetic energy during a movement at a constant speed. 5. Aim for It: Explore kinetic energy during a movement using variable speed. 6. The Obstacle Course: Illustrate potential and kinetic energy transfer.
Lessons are aligned to NGSS, CSTA, and ISTE standards. Come and play to learn!
