The Physics of
Purpose
For physics I students to investigate an area of interest and determine what role physics plays in everyday phenomena. You will be expected to do research in your chosen field of interest and prepare a substantial presentation of what you learned. The presentation can be made using a variety of media.
Sports related
The physics of baseball, hockey, football, soccer, equestrian, sailing, auto racing, bowling, skiing, etc.
Other science fields
The physics of chemical reactions, cloud formation, lightning, space travel, cellular biology, etc.
The physics of walking, driving, singing, television, Christmas, etc.
The physics of singing, painting, a specific musical instrument, ceramics, etc.
Make your topic as specific as possible. For instance łThe Physics of BaseballČ is way too broad a topic to cover in a short amount of time. Instead, choose something more like łThe Physics of a Curve BallČ
What kind of class time do we have to work on this?
At least two class days will be devoted to planning and preparing for your presentation. Two dates include November 13th and 14th although Mr. Flint will not be in school that day.
When does it have to be done?
Presentations will be given in class during the two weeks preceding the Winter Holiday. We will schedule time in the upcoming weeks for the presentations.
How much time do we have to give a presentation?
Each presentation should be 10 to 15 minutes in length. We will do two presentations per class period. Each person must actively take part in the presentation.
Do I have to document my sources?
You betcha! Since this is a science course we use the APA style (www.psywww.com/resource/apacrib.htm) to write papers and bibliographies. Strict adherence to this format is expected for your summary and bibliography.
Where do I get my information from?
Mr. Flint has a variety of resource books available for loan including The Physics of Skiing, The Physics of Golf, The Physics of Baseball, The Physics of Christmas, and The Physics of Star Trek. Check the books out of class for two days at a time since other people will need to reference them. Mr. Flint also has a large personal library of science books in all the science disciplines. Just ask and hečll scrounge something up for you.
Use a search engine. Google.com has become the best engine to find information on the web. If you are looking for something about snowboarding then enter łthe physics of snowboardingČ and youčll be bound to get lots of information both good and bad. You have to carefully evaluate each site to determine whether it is valuable or if it was written by a goofball. E-mail the URL to Mr. Flint at chemtchr@yahoo.com if youčre unsure and hečll get back to you.
Our school library and the James V. Brown library both have a selection of physics books that you should avail yourself of. Check newspapers, magazines, and other periodicals too.
Summary - 30 points
Clearly identifies the area of interest and reports on findings. For instance, the Physics of Baseball is way too broad while the Physics of a Curve Ball Pitch is sufficiently specific. Direct applications to physics must be evident. Should indicate that the student clearly understands the physics of the subject. At least one single space, typed page in length. Follows APA style. Submitted on disk or by e-mail.
Bibliography - 30 points
Cites at least three sources of information about the physics of the subject of interest. At least two different media should be cited (print, video, web, etc). Follows APA style. Typed. Submitted on disk or by e-mail.
Presentation - 90 points
Presentation is of substantial depth and indicates a solid level of understanding. The focus of the presentation should be an indepth description of the physical phenomena of study. Your presentation must include a live or video taped demonstration of some sort. Presentations given as web sites should include graphics, your bibliography, a summary, and links to outside sources. Papers should be substantial (5+ pages double spaced) and well written.
A detailed scoring rubric is attached.
Presentation equipment in class:
VCR, DVD Player, MiniDV player, LaserDisc player, overhead projector, LCD Projector, computers that can handle many different types of documents. It is your responsibility to do a dry run of the presentation equipment before the day of your presentation. Points will be deducted if your presentation does not work.
Physics I; Mr. Flint Name(s)_______________________
Period ___________ _______________________
Summary (30 points)
Clearly identifies a specific area of interest that is not too broad. / 5
Direct applications to physics evident and well explained. / 5
Communicates sufficient depth of knowledge. / 5
Information correct, accurate, and well focused. / 5
Citations clearly labeled and referenced to bibliography / 5
Submitted on disk or by e-mail by presentation date. / 5
Summary subtotal / 30
Bibliography (30 points)
Three distinct sources of information provided. / 6
At least two different types of media are employed. / 6
Followed APA style (see attached format guide) / 6
Typed well and grammatically correct / 6
Submitted by disk or e-mail by presentation date, / 6
Bibliography subtotal / 30
Presentation (90 points)
Presentation ready to go by due date. / 15
Entire presentation works as planned. / 15
Presentation length at least 15 minutes/paper of sufficient length/ / 10
or sufficient substance to web page.
Sufficient participation by all group members. / 10
Substantial depth and high level of subject knowledge. / 10
Clarity of communication. / 10
Live or video taped demonstration of good quality and substance. / 10
Prepared to answer questions well. / 10
Presentation subtotal / 90
GRAND TOTAL / 150