Physics

Have you ever seen Physics taught in a Maker Space? Drawing on my background in both science education and construction, I designed a hands-on Physics class that teaches through Making. Throughout the course, students experience a dynamic mix of traditional instruction and practical, hands-on challenges to deepen their understanding. This creates an exciting learning environment, full of energy and controlled chaos.

One of the challenges involves designing a machine capable of launching an apple from one balcony across the 'great canyon' to hit a target on the opposite side. Students follow the Engineering Design Process to create their contraption, then apply the Scientific Method to test their prototypes. They gather and analyze data from their trials, which becomes a key component of their semester exam.

A key part of the course is learning to use various tools in the MakerSpace to effectively construct their prototypes. After initial trials, it’s common for students to revisit and refine their designs, aligning perfectly with the Design Process and the core principles of STEM learning.