NEW BOOKS: Teach Physics With Toys and Gadgets

[Ryan Goble]

From NSTA's book beat - anything with "Toys and Gadgets" requires a share...

April 2014: Teach Physics With Toys and Gadgets

Learning that is built on observations of real-world phenomena lets students follow their curiosity and have fun while exploring. In "phenomenon-based learning" (PBL), students can first explore how various gadgets and toys work and then move on to find out why. This month's Book Beat takes you inside this approach to teaching and learning physics through a new series from NSTA Press.

Use Toys and Gadgets to Teach Physics

What student or teacher can resist the chance to experiment with Rocket Launchers, Sound Pipes, Boomwhackers, and Flying Pigs? Authors Matthew Bobrowsky, Mikko Korhonen, and Jukka Kohtamäki believe lessons centered on physics gadgets and gizmos like these engage students' curiosity while helping them learn broader concepts, useful critical-thinking skills, and science and engineering practices. The 35 experiments in Using Physical Science Gadgets and Gizmos, Grades 6–8: Phenomenon-Based Learning cover topics including pressure and force, thermodynamics, energy, light and color, resonance, and buoyancy. Download the chapter "Air Pressure," which leads students on explorations and hands-on activities such as "Water Rocket" and "Pressure Globe." The 54 experiments in Using Physics Gadgets and Gizmos, Grades 9–12: Phenomenon-Based Learning focus on topics that include pressure and force, thermodynamics, energy, angular momentum, and magnetism. Download the free chapter "Two-Dimensional Motion" to engage your students in exploring motion in Earth's gravitational field through ballistics cars, air-powered projectiles, and car tracks. Find out with this new series how explorations in physics can be combined with serious fun for you and your students.

[Jennifer Roberts]

I teach adults preparing for the GED.  Here's a great lesson plan by Lynsey Peterson from From Education.com (requires an account) http://www.education.com/science-fair/article/solar-oven-design.  With a little cardboard, aluminum foil, tape and creativity, explore solar power! 

Show students real world solar cooking.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCPuYvIMKi0    

Jennifer 

[Ryan Goble]

Jen, that is some great stuff! Thank you for sharing.

[Anna J. Small Roseboro]

Teachers also may be interested in offering students books based on physics.  Here's a series for middle school students, 

The Accelerati Trilogy Book One Tesla's Attic Hardcover

by Neal Shusterman  (Author), Eric Elfman  (Author)

Enjoy!

[Ryan Goble]

I have read a few Neal S books, but did not know about this one. Cool addition (as always). Thanks AJSR!