Constructing Ideas in Physical Science Joan Abdallah, AAAS Darcy Hampton, DCPS Davina Pruitt-Mentle, University of Maryland CIPS Institute for Middle School Science Teachers

AAAS/DCPS CIPS Workshop8/2-8/13 2 Session 5 Debriefing What do you remember from Friday’s session (no peeking at text or notes)? What were the “essential questions” being asked/explored? What conclusions did “we” decide? What was/were the “underlying concepts/content” that the activities were after?

AAAS/DCPS CIPS Workshop8/2-8/13 3 Cycle 1: Interactions & Energy Common Initial Ideas It may not be clear to students that some forms of energy, such as light and chemical energy, can be used to make things happen (AAAS Project 2061, 1993). Students may confuse energy and energy sources (AAAS Project 2061, 1993). Students think that (AAAS Project 2061, 1993): a) Energy is associated only with humans or movement. b) Energy is a fuel-like quantity that can be used up.

AAAS/DCPS CIPS Workshop8/2-8/13 4 Target Ideas In science, experimental conclusions are supported by reason(s) Scientists assume all events are caused by the interaction of objects. During an interaction, there is almost always an observed change. Many changes require a transfer of energy from one object or system to another A light interaction occurs when a source of light illuminates nearby object. In an electrical circuit, energy is transferred from a source to a receiver.

AAAS/DCPS CIPS Workshop8/2-8/13 5 Project 2061 Benchmarks and Target Ideas

AAAS/DCPS CIPS Workshop8/2-8/13 6 Project 2061 Benchmarks and Target Ideas Scientists take the point of view that events are caused by the interaction of objects. When two objects interact, they act on or influence each other to jointly cause an effect. When objects or substances interact with each other, there is almost always an observed change of some kind – a change in sound heard, motion (speeding up, slowing down, changing direction), temperature, shape/size, illumination and/or appearance (e.g., color, pattern, texture, etc.). These observational changes represent evidence that the interaction occurred.

AAAS/DCPS CIPS Workshop8/2-8/13 7 Project 2061 Benchmarks and Target Ideas Many changes require a transfer of energy from one object or system (energy source) to another object or system (energy receiver). This process can be represented with an energy diagram: (not in Unit 1)

AAAS/DCPS CIPS Workshop8/2-8/13 8 Project 2061 Benchmarks and Target Ideas A light interaction occurs when a source of light illuminates nearby object. The source can either be an object that emits its own light, or an object that reflects or transmits light. Electrical energy can be produced from a variety of energy sources and can be transformed into almost any other form of energy… In an electrical circuit, energy is transferred from an energy source (e.g. chemical battery, generator or solar battery) to an energy receiver (e.g. bulb, buzzer, or motor).