Open ended learning

How does exercise effect the body? This question was posed to a top set year 8 class and a top set year 9 class

Information given Each student was given a work sheet outlining the lesson whilst trying to remain as open as possible. As a starter the students were tested on their understanding of variables.

PLAN Get into groups of 3 Read though the sheet Time keeper – you make sure you all write the plan into your books Feedback person – you will be feeding back your conclusion and evaluation to the class at the end of the task. Equipment monitor – you make sure all equipment is looked after and placed back at the end of the lesson Read though the sheet Decide on what you are investigating, and how you will investigate it Use the sheet to write a brief plan for your investigation You have 15 minutes SAFETY – THINK OF HOW YOU WILL ALL STAY SAFE!!

Collect your results Carry out your investigation – you have 20 minutes to collect your data Expectations Do all practical work safely and responsibly Work well as a team Collect data to conclude on your investigation

Equipment made available Stop watches Exercise bike Thermometers Metre rulers Camera Trundle wheel Stethoscopes Pulse metres

Some ideas students came up with Effect of different types of exercise on blood pressure Effects of different types of exercise on recovery rates Effects of different types of exercise on pulse rate Effects of energy drinks in exercise on pulse rate Effect of exercise on temperature on the body Which method reduces your pulse rate back to normal the fastest

variables The students displayed a good ability to set dependent and independent variables in their investigations however some failed to note this in their written work Detail varied in how they would ensure they would keep them

The classes had already studied respiration and fitness – therefore they already had a good subject knowledge. The negative side of this is that they could not make as many discoveries on their own where they could figure much of the science out themselves The lesson did provide a good AFL opportunity to see what they understood from the previous lessons and assess their ability to plan, investigate and conclude - APP AF4 &5

Examples of students work

Example of a plan

Conclusions and Evaluation

Results

Student enjoyment Both classes enjoyed the fact that they decided the parameters for the investigation and were able to be creative in their experiments. When they were asked about what they enjoyed – it was the freedom to investigate what they wanted without being told the method they had to follow so that they could find things out on their own. The students enjoyed taking control of their lesson and so learning – it made the lesson even more about them and their ideas

Final thoughts Good AFL opportunity for APP especially objectives points 4 and 5 Students enjoyed the opportunity to have freedom to investigate what they were interested in Good assessment of the students knowledge Improves planning skills as well as experience in variables Teacher enjoyment – 10/10