Physics
Mr. Harper
Physics in Your Life Project
Purpose: For you to realize where physics is playing a part in your life right now. Physics is all around us and
we don’t recognize it. This project is designed for you to learn to appreciate the part physics plays in your life
and to gain a better understanding of its relevance for your life.
Activity: You will find an area or activity in your life to study the physics of. You will then choose a specific
example of this area or activity and do research on the physics involved. Start with an outline of your
information (due one week before you present), put together a diagram explaining the physics involved and
prepare a 2-page discussion of the topic. You will conclude the project with a 5 minute oral presentation to
the class on your topic.
Requirements:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Teacher approval of topic
Topic Outline (including relation to physics concepts) – due one week before you present
5 minute oral presentation
Large scale (larger than 8½ x 11) diagram
2 page report
Timeline: Working with the teacher, you will decide on an appropriate time for the presentation to occur.
This timing will be aligned with the topics discussed in class. This project will be done at various times
throughout the year by different students.
Diagram: A diagram is a scientific or analytical drawing. It is not a picture or simply a sketch. It must contain
scientific information. A minimum would be the labeling of the parts of something.
Grading: This grade will be part of your final exam grade. This will constitute a percentage of the final and
therefore will play a large part in your grade. The grading scale is as follows. See the grading rubric on the
next two pages for more detailed criteria.
Presentation
Report
Diagram
Outline
40 %
30 %
20 %
10 %
Class Time: Some class time will be allotted for this project, but the majority of the time will be spent out of
class. I will be available at various times for extra help with this project upon request.
Name(s) ___________________________________________________
Physics
Mr. Harper
Physics In Your Life Grading Rubric
Outline:
Diagram:
(5 pts) Depth of Thought
________
(10 pts) Depth of Information
________
(5 pts) Preparation
________
(10 pts) Preparation
________
Presentation:
Paper:
(10 pts) Length
________
(10 pts) Length
________
(10 pts) Presentation
________
(15 pts) Depth of Information
________
(10 pts) Depth of Information
________
(5 pts) Presentation (typed)
________
(10 pts) Preparation
________
Total: (100 pts)
________
% Points on final exam (15 %)
________
Outline
-
thorough down to sentence detail
at least one page in length
includes key physics concepts in activity
turned in one week before presentation
Diagram
-
illustrates a key physics concept of the activity and clarifies how the concept is applied to the activity
and used in the activity
includes consequential information that has meaning, purpose, and use in explaining the physics
behind the activity – information such as vectors, arrows, labels, scientific terms, equations, facts
demonstrates that the student has an understanding of a key physics concept involved with the activity
at least 8 ½ x 11
Presentation
Length – Going several minutes over will result in deduction of points. Keep the presentation succinct.
Time (min)
4-5
3-4
2-3
1-2
0-1
Points
10
8
6
4
2
Presentation
-
eye contact
addresses audience not slides
does not read from slides
includes more visuals than text
takes time to explain the concepts
Depth of information
-
identifies key physics concepts involved
explains how the concepts can be applied
conveys meaningful information about the topic and the application of the physics
explains the diagram to further the understanding of the physics involved
demonstrates how the physics behind the topic is important
Paper
Length
Length
2 full pages
1 ½ pages
1 pages
½ page
¼ page
Points
10
8
6
4
2
Depth of Thought
-
introduces the idea that physics plays a meaningful role in many activities
identifies multiple ways physics is involved with the activity and demonstrates understanding of the
physics involved
explains how the activity can be understood through physics
explains how the physics behind the topic is important, useful, meaningful
explains how physics is applied to improve technique, performance, understanding, ability, skill, etc.