Problem

During my volunteering at SanBao Middle School in Jincheng, Shanxi, China, I observed that a significant number of students lack enthusiasm for physics. The dean of students reported that the students perceive it as a challenging and monotonous subject, partly due to the difficulty of tests. Recognizing the specific challenges of rural 10th-grade physics lessons at SanBao Middle School, we aimed to introduce an engaging, hands-on physics workshop.

The existing curriculum lacked practical applications and interactive learning opportunities. Students were struggling with theoretical concepts and had no means to apply them in real-life scenarios. We wanted to create an environment where students could learn through experimentation and gain a deeper understanding of physics concepts.

Solution

We designed an interactive physics workshop that included hands-on experiments and practical applications of theoretical concepts. The program was tailored for dedicated 10th graders at SanBao Middle School who were interested in pursuing science further. This initiative was a collaboration with the school's faculty, aimed at aligning with the academic curriculum while inspiring students to delve deeper into physics.

For the 45-minute workshop, we employed a suite of AI tools to enhance the educational journey: ChatGPT for interactive dialogue and personalized learning assistance, Gamma for crafting compelling and informative slides, and InVideo AI to produce educational videos, creating a multifaceted and enriched learning experience.

LESSON PLAN: Soap and Paper Boat Experiment

LESSON GOAL:

To foster an appreciation and interest in physics through hands-on experiments, specifically focusing on the forces in action in the Soap and Paper Boat Experiment. The aim is to demystify physics concepts, ensuring students perceive it as an approachable and fascinating subject, rather than intimidating.

ASSESSMENT:

1. Observation: Monitor students' active participation during the hands-on experiment and group discussions.

2. Oral Presentation: Evaluate students' understanding by their ability to discuss the forces at play and suggest alterations in the boat design.

3. Feedback Collection: Gather students' thoughts on the experiment, including their comprehension level, areas of confusion, and overall enjoyment.

TOTAL TIME: 45 minutes

INSTRUCTIONS:

Class slides

1. Introduction (5 minutes):

- Begin with a brief story or anecdote about a boat on water, evoking curiosity.

- Introduce the types of forces, emphasizing surface tension.

- Show the video

2. Demonstration (10 minutes):

- Display the materials: water-filled dish, paper boat, liquid soap, and dropper/toothpick.

- Explain the procedure step-by-step:

a. Place the paper boat gently on the water's surface.

b. With the help of a dropper or toothpick, add a drop of soap solution to the center or rear end of the boat.

c. Observe the boat's movement.

- Execute the experiment, ensuring that the boat propels forward due to the breaking of the water's surface tension behind it.

3. Student Participation (10 minutes):

- Select 3-4 eager students to replicate the experiment individually in front of the class.

- While they perform, keep the rest of the students engaged by asking predictive questions, e.g., "What do you think will happen if...?"

4. Group Discussion (15 minutes):

- Divide the class into groups of 4-5 students.

- Task each group to deliberate the reasons behind the observed phenomena.

- Encourage groups to speculate how alterations in the boat's design might impact the outcome.

- Allow each group to share their thoughts and findings.

5. Relation to Course Content (3 minutes):

- Draw parallels between the experiment and the 10th-grade physics syllabus, emphasizing the practical application of classroom concepts.

6. Further Exploration and Q&A (1 minute):

- Suggest ways students can further explore this concept, e.g., testing other liquids or trying larger boats.

- Open the floor for questions.

7. Feedback and Conclusion (1 minute):

- Distribute a short feedback form or use digital tools to collect instant feedback.

- Conclude by reinforcing the beauty of physics in everyday phenomena, encouraging students to remain curious.

Pedagogical Approach:

This lesson plan aims to cater to different learning styles:

- Visual Learners: Through the visual display of the experiment.

- Auditory Learners: Through discussions and oral presentations.

- Kinesthetic Learners: By allowing hands-on participation.

- Analytical Learners: Through group deliberations on the reasons behind the phenomena.

Impact

Increased Engagement: By incorporating interactive elements and multimedia content, the workshop is likely to capture the students' attention more effectively than traditional teaching methods, leading to increased engagement with the subject matter.
Enhanced Understanding: The use of visual aids, simulations, and videos helps in breaking down complex concepts like force into more digestible and understandable parts, aiding in deeper comprehension.
Stimulated Interest in Physics: By showcasing the relevance and application of physics in everyday life, the workshop can spark curiosity and encourage students to pursue further study in the field.
Practical Skills Development: Hands-on experiments allow students to apply theoretical knowledge, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Improved Academic Performance: This innovative approach to learning may lead to better academic outcomes, as students are more likely to retain information and concepts that are taught in an interactive and engaging manner.
Technological Literacy: Introducing AI tools in an educational setting familiarizes students with cutting-edge technology, which is an essential skill in the modern world.
Curriculum Enhancement: The workshop serves as a supplementary resource that can enrich the existing physics curriculum, providing teachers with new methods to present material.
Feedback for Future Improvements: The use of AI and digital tools often comes with analytics and feedback mechanisms, allowing for the continuous improvement of educational strategies based on student performance and engagement metrics.

Future Development

Addressing this challenge involves not only improving physical resources but also enhancing access to quality teaching and innovative educational practices. It's crucial to develop platforms and initiatives that can bridge the gap, providing rural students with virtual access to experiments and mentorship from qualified teachers. This approach can democratize science education, offering every child, irrespective of geographic location, the chance to engage with and be inspired by the wonders of physics.

Leveraging insights from project one, I've created a digital interface that serves as a conduit between students and educators, with the objective of cultivating a passion for science through engaging experimental activities. The initiative concentrates on delivering immersive science experiment sessions to pupils globally via an online platform. Additionally, it grants students in remote locations access to distinguished educators based in metropolitan areas, facilitating personalized mentorship opportunities.

Check out my platform here.

Team

Team Members for providing feedback: Yumeng Chen, Rio Liu, Linda Fan

Boosting Physics Interest with Hands-On Workshop