Forces Dance (LS-MT-265)
Have you ever wondered how to connect Physics/Integrated Science, Art and Dance for added student interest? That is possible when finding the resultant force in a system as in this learning scenario. This was implemented with Physics students aged 13-14 years but is also suitable for younger students in Integrated Science.
What kind of pedagogy is used?
Firstly, the aim of this LS is to enhance the learning of the resultant force while using peer and self-assessment throughout the lesson. This empowers students to think of solutions related to the given system, discuss and analyse their thoughts. Secondly, the two main tasks presented involve Think-Pair-Share in the beginning and the class dance at the end of the LS, implying the teacher as the facilitator of learning and students immersed actively in the learning process.
How is the cultural element used?
The cultural aspect is introduced through the different paintings by renowned European artists used for this presentation.
Finally, the paintings chosen vary across different centuries and refer to artists of different European nationalities. Alongside each painting, the name of the artwork and its artists are presented together with arrows for which students have to find the resultant force. They dance to the resultant force by moving their hands according to its direction (up, down, sideways and diagonally). Marching on the spot is suggested when the forces are equal and opposite and so cancel each other.
Possible ways to implement this LS
An enjoyable LS that caters for all students’ abilities in class and enhances collaboration and cooperation among students. This lesson could be used by STEM teachers in secondary schools. Use of very simple mathematics is implied in the dance as mental calculations along the slideshow shown. After the lesson, the use of online means enables further consolidation of concepts.
Teachers can readily implement this lesson in class as all materials and online links are compiled in the shared resources on the learning scenario. It would be interesting to add any local artwork from the Europeana website in the slideshow presentation for added interest.
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The featured image used to illustrate this article has been found on Europeana Collections and belongs to the public domain.