Columbus High School 1st April 2011
Hosted 2 lessons doing open-ended investigations making rollercoasters for a ball bearing. Students were in groups of 3 and given specific roles according to the day and month that they are born. Students who celebrated their birthday first in 2011 were the materials managers, second were the group scribe and third were time-keepers. Each member of the group had a specific role.
Students were given the task of building a rollercoaster out of piping insulation for a ball bearing. They were given a height criteria, maximum of 1.5m, told they had to have 2 loops in their rollercoaster and they had to include a free fall for their ball bearing. There was no limit on the length of insulation they were allowed and this was not an issue, however having students limited to the same amount of insulation may eliminate any issues.
Students were engaged and motivated and utilising scientific concepts to build their rollercoasters. They were extremely motivated, particularly given that it was the last day before spring break!
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