Learning Module Outline

Learning Objectives
Student Learning Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
Objectives for this
module  Design and conduct an experiment, and write a laboratory report
 Reach conclusions about the physical world using experimental design
processes
 Develop a research project report using supporting media
 Create a spreadsheet using Excel/Calc to make charts and graphs
 Demonstrate the basic principles of experimental design by collecting
and analyzing data
 Record your processes and data in a science log
 Conduct data analysis and reporting using the SPSS software
 Use PowerPoint/Impress to presenting your data findings

National Educational Technology Standards (NETS)

Standards  Collaborate with peers, experts, and others to contribute to a content-
related knowledge base by using technology to compile, synthesize,
produce, and disseminate information, models, and other creative
works
 Routinely and efficiently use online information resources to meet
needs for collaboration, research, publications, communications, and
productivity
 Select and apply technology tools for research, information analysis,
problem- solving, and decision-making in content learning

Learning Resources
Required Resources  Science log book
 Physics text book
 Microsoft office (Excel and PowerPoint)
 Open office (Calc and Impress); http://www.openoffice.org/
 SPSS software
Additional Resources
 Assessment Rubric
 Digital camera (use of cell phone is accepted)
 Internet Resource site; http://probesight.concord.org/
Faculty-created Online Learning Activities
Self-assessment and  Flash cards
Learning Activities to  Glossary (comprise of text and images)
be created by the  Fill-in-the-blank
faculty  Practice Questions
 Fact Cards
 Matching
 Crosswords
 Challenge
 Quiz
 Pick a Letter

Learning Activities
Activities for this  Complete the online learning activities
module to master the  Engage in a lab experiment using experimental design techniques
basics  Use Excel/Impress to record your data findings for a science log
 Using digital cameras to capture your processes and data
 Install SPSS and insert data from your lab experiment for data analysis
 Learn basic features of PowerPoint and Impress
 Develop your Presentation using PowerPoint or Impress template

Self/Peer Assessment
Opportunities for  Use a Wiki to develop their lab report (add scanned graphs and
students to check their images): See Lab rubric
progress and receive  Use a blog to provide text and online resources found to support your
feedback topics
 Journal for reflection on each lab experiment and processes observed
 Participate in a Discussion board on experimental design processes
 Develop a group glossary on key physics terminologies

Graded Assessment
Evidence to proceed  Upload final Lab report assignments
 Presentation of your findings
 Participation in discussion board explanations of the experiments
 Complete assigned tests
 Completed Wiki
Group and Individual Assessment Rubric

Plunging Into Physics

Group Assessment Rubric

Student: Group: Class Period:

Score 3 2 1

Experimental Design The question is worthy and The question is worthy. The question and
can be answered by the The experimental design is experimental design do
experiment. Plan shows generally strong, but links not match. Additional
effective and reliable data between question and plan support is needed to
collection procedures. are unclear. plan project.

Conducting the Sufficient and accurate data Data is accurate, but more Data may be inaccurate
Experiment is collected. Data is well data would improve or limited, making
organized. Tables or charts interpretation. Tables and interpretation difficult.
made interpretation clear. charts are appropriate. Tables and charts are
needed.

Analysis Logical conclusions are based Data analysis may be Analysis is flawed or
on the data and connect to generally accurate, but does not lead to
the scientific principles being does not make strong conclusions.
studied. connections to scientific
principles.

Presentation Science concepts are Science concepts are Concepts are not
expressed well. Presentation presented, but not in presented in an
is well organized and depth. Presentation is effective or organized
effective. Multimedia generally organized and manner. Multimedia
supports presentation. effective. Multimedia does not support the
supports the presentation, message.
but may distract from the
message to a degree.

References References are complete and References are complete, References are
properly cited. citations may need work. incomplete or poorly
cited.

Group Score: ________ / 15

 Individual Assessment Rubric

Student: Class Period

Score 5 3 1

Participation Cooperative team member Cooperative team member. Does not contribute fully to
who shows leadership. Contributes to group effort. team effort, or distracts
Contributes significantly to Uses time and materials partners.
group effort. properly, may need
reminders. Problems with time and
Uses time and materials materials management
properly. interfere with group’s
progress.

Rate yourself on a scale from 1 to 5 on the level of participation in the project, with 1 being the least involved to 5
being a major contributor of ideas and effort.

1 2 3 4 5

Participation Score + Self Evaluation = Total Individual Score ___________/10

Reference:

http://www.intel.com/corporate/education/emea/eng/ireland/elem_sec/tools
_resources/plans/plunging/plunging.htm