Today we will finish gathering data with the trebuchets. We will then use the data to analyze for potential energy, kinetic energy, velocity and acceleration. Homework packets are due on Thursday. A new packet will be handed out soon. Our next study unit will be potential and kinetic energy and Newton's Laws (which we've already started).
Immediately after the Thanksgiving holiday, we will be doing a unit on alternative energy. The unit we will be using was developed by the University of Colorado Denver School of Education and the Colorado School of Mines. The unit is part of an ongoing research project into how well this type of hands on units help students to learn. (I've used similar units the last two years.) The schools are also interested in how using these units in the classroom changes student attitudes toward science, math, and engineering as careers. Before Thanksgiving, there will be pretests and pre-unit attitude surveys. All students will participate in these.
I would like for your children to be part of the study. They will be anonymous as regards anything published. Participating is optional, and will not affect the student's grades. They must however, participate in all the study parts whether or not they agree to participate in the study. (Students who will not be included in the study will not have their materials mailed to the School of Mines researchers.) All students must turn in permission slips either denying or giving permission to participate in the study. Permission slips will be sent out soon. They will also be attached to my blog site. If you have further questions, please contact me or the researchers.