A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Audience Approved by JDRP for all students in grades 5-9.

Description To promote concept acquisition, Informal Science Study (IfSS) presents a series of physical and biological science mini-units which are based upon students' recall and utilization of popular amusement park rides, sports, and playground experiences. Learning activities are selected for their appeal and ability to provide concrete examples of otherwise abstract concepts. Topics include, among others: motion, speed, velocity, acceleration, relativity, forces, gravity, time, conservation of energy, frames of reference, fears, and phobias. Science processes include inferring, graphing, predicting, and forming hypotheses.

Each of the mini-units is designed around student dialogue, providing an introduction and review/application of both science and mathematics in low-key and nontechnical language. Science terms are introduced only after students recall previous experiences. In addition, several of the mini-units provide laboratory activities that employ toys (race cars, model rockets, etc.) and playground equipment. Mini-units include:

• Physics of Fun and Play is designed for any of grades 5-12. The focus is on the physics of amusement parks and sports. Slides and videotapes present the motion physics of amusement parks and playgrounds. Students are encouraged to apply motion physics ideas to each of the settings.
  
• Science Safari and Toy Workshop is designed for grades 5-9 and presents physics mechanics content and terms as well as pre-algebra mathematics exercises that allow students to deal with the quantitative elements of motion laws. A special part of this mini-unit focuses on common toys and their action in the orbiting space shuttle, Toys in Space.
  
• Spaceflight Forces and Fears is a two-part module that deals with the application of mechanics concepts on amusement park rides as they relate to the experiences of orbiting astronauts. Students (preferably in grades 7-10) also explore physiologic reactions to amusement park rides by comparing their simulated reactions to those of students who have ridden the rides.
  
• Mechanics of Motion is designed for high school physics classes. Students are required to use algebra and pre-calculus mathematics to focus on the design and operation of amusement park rides. Additional computer simulations are available for classes that have access to Apple II computers.
  
• The Discovery Field Experience focuses student attention on amusement park rides and sport activities. Slides, videotapes, and actual field experiences are emphasized for learners in grades 5-12.

Evidence of Effectiveness With instructional periods from 1-3 weeks, students significantly increase knowledge and comprehension of science concepts, increase their analytic recall of science experiences, and demonstrate significantly increased applications of science concepts.

Requirements Mini-units may be adopted individually or as a group. Teachers can be trained in four hours.

Costs Training costs consist of a trainer fee for the days of actual training, and travel and per diem expenses. Material costs range from $50-$175 per school. Contact IfSS for specific figures.

Services Awareness materials are available at no cost. Visitors are welcome to visit the program site by appointment. Project staff is available for awareness and/or training.

Contact

Howard Jones, Director or Stephanie Hendee, National Training Network, P.O. Box 8057, Longmont, CO 80501. (303) 651-0833, FAX (303) 651-1044.

Developmental Funding: National Science Foundation.
JDRP No. 84-11 (3/30/84)
Recertified (5/1/94)

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