Newton’s Playground GameDesk Module Donna Mandosa November 29,2012
Overview Getting Started Newton’s Playground Physics Sandbox Key Terms 21 st Century Skills Teaching Points Question and Answer
Getting Started with Newton’s Playground Download most recent version here: Browse game before you facilitate, as games are often updated Current version is slightly changed from what is in our module Playground Two is start of ‘free play’ area
Physics Sandbox: Tutorials and Playground Levels Agent Tutorials: four key tools Lever Pendulum Ramp Springboard Playground One: simplified instructions Playground Two: start of free play
Key Terms Lever: a machine consisting of a beam or rigid rod pivoted at a fulcrum Pendulum: a weight suspended from a pivot so that it can swing freely Ramp: flat supporting surface tilted at an angle, with one end higher than the other, used as an aid for raising or lowering a load ( aka: inclined plane ) Springboard: a linear flex spring ( ex: diving board )
Problem Solving 21 st Century Skill “Analyze how parts of a whole interact with each other to produce overall outcomes in complex systems” - Partnership for 21 st Century Skills “Solve different kinds of non-familiar problems in both conventional and innovative ways” - Partnership for 21 st Century Skills framework/260
Articulation of Process Communication is a key 21 st Century Skill “Articulate thoughts and ideas effectively using oral, written and nonverbal communication skills in a variety of forms and contexts” – Partnership for 21 st Century Skills
Evaluation of Information 21 st Century Skill Make Judgments and Decisions “Effectively analyze and evaluate evidence, arguments, claims and belief” framework/260
Newton’s Playground Teaching Points Machines help us do work Problem solving Articulation / Communication Evaluation Key Concepts Lever Pendulum Ramp Springboard
Newton’s Playground Wrap-up Time: 1 Review key concepts 2 Review key teaching points 3 Promote observation of physics and machine use in daily life See-saw, swing set, crowbar
Question and Answer
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