This is actually an activity for algebra classes..but I stole it an we do this during our unit on the nervous system...we want to give Barbie an exciting, thrilling jump!!!
Before we start, I showed kids several Bungee Jumps video clips...one of the best was the guy who estimated the length of his Bungee cord but forgot to factor in that the cord STRETCHES. He hit the ground but he wasn't hurt.
There are a lot more things on Barbie Bungee Jumping on the Internet...I found the idea for the yawn,extreme, etc. sign from another class.
The gist of the lab is to see how far Barbie drops using 2...then 4...then 6...etc rubber bands. Then the kids plot the info on a graph and use a "line of best fit" to estimate how many rubber bands are needed to drop Barbie off a high drop...we used our second story stairwell.
Attached is one of the original math labs, some photos of my class, and a modified lab and graph sheet that I
did.
>>> Jenny Pendleton <
jennypendleton@ mgsd.k12. nc.us> 6/4/2009 4:24 PM >>>
Barbie Bungie Jump??!? Please share!! LOL
Jenny Pendleton
http://www5. mgsd.k12. nc.us/staffsites /jpendleton/ sites/Outback_ Team/Science. html It's Always a Great Day to be a Red Imp!!
On Jun 4, 2009, at 5:21 PM, Pam Watson wrote:
1- What state/grade/ topics/ number of years teaching.
**Texas----7th- ----general science but heavier on life
science----- ---36**
2- How would you rate your contributions to the group? (1-10 1=lurker,
10=
file poster/topic maker/responder)
**6 ?**
3- How has
the group helped you this year?
**I like the universality of the group...my problems, my questions,
and my successes are basically the same across the country...world? As
teachers we share a bond especially being in middle school. I love the
conversations that go on even if I am just a "listener" and not a
"responder". **
4- Specifically, what could the group do to help next year?
**Keep on sharing websites, ideas, labs, and both professional and
personal successes and even the sad things. Where else but here has
there been such a personal connection to our fellow teachers that have
been uprooted by hurricanes, lost jobs, gained jobs, suffered
illnesses, wondered if they would survive student teaching, etc.,
etc.??!!**
5- What is the one thing that your students will remember about you 10
years
from now?
**They had fun and learned a lot (even if they cannot remember what a
lysosome does.) They will remember some goofy thing that happened to
some kid in class and will be able to recall at least one lab/project
that was really cool. (OK...that is more than one but I got carried
away!)
6- What will you definitely do and also definitely not do again?
**Will do---Barbie Bungee Jump and Newton Scooters...laugh and not
take things too seriously... keep searching for the next greatest lab
activity.
Will not do---I can't think of anything I will cut right now but I am
always tweeking things to make labs run more smoothly.**
7- What would be one piece of advice you would give a teacher taking a
science position next year?
**ASK for help when you need it (we can't read your mind)...even from
the most respected teacher(s) on staff...we were all new to teaching
or to that school at one time and know what it feels like to be a
newbie.
Do not expect to be
spoon-fed all lessons and labs. You won't learn
how to make a PPT, search the Internet for new labs, make a blog or a
podcast if you just take. Be a collaborator when possible.
Remember to say "Thanks" (and say it often ) to those who are helping
you out and ask how you can help them (Can I photocopy tomorrow's
quiz? Can I buy straws/set up the equipment for Friday's lab?)**
8- What is a professional goal you met this last year? What is next
years?
**This year...I received my Master's Degree in May...Yippee! !!
Next year...I will have two blind students in my classroom. I have
been told that they will have a helper with them in class and a
braillist. I am the type of teacher that comes up with/changes a lab
or an idea the day before I do it but for these kids I will have to
have all work turned into the braillist 3-4 weeks ahead of time. That
will be a major challenge for someone (me!) who has
always done things
at the last minute.
I also want to be able to connect with another 7th grade class via
Skype to have the students do identical labs and then share results.**
9- What is a personal accomplishment you made this year? What is next
years?
**This year....I think the work that went into getting my Master's was
a personal goal as well as a professional one...so "Yippee" again!
Next year...lose weight and walk more!!**
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