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Article
Dr. Skateboard’s action science: Teaching physics in context
The science education review (2009)
  • William H. Robertson, The University of Texas at El Paso
Abstract

Dr. Skateboard’s Action Science, a curriculum supplement which consists of video instruction and classroom activities is an example that focuses on the physical science concepts found in the areas of forces, motion, Newton’s Laws of Motion, and simple machines. The use of familiar activities, situations and objects, such as skateboarding and bicycle motocross (BMX), around which students can explore and explain scientific concepts can be defined as action science. Dr. Skateboard’s Action Science is an example of transformative education, a student-centered curriculum supplement built around interesting content linked to specific physic knowledge and skills in science. The videos and classroom materials provide the classroom teacher with an instructional series rich in science and including topics such as centrifugal and centripetal forces, inertia, center of gravity, and momentum. The purpose is to contextualize the classroom process of acquiring critical knowledge, developing proficiency in problem solving, engaging in self-directed learning, and participating in collaborative teams.

Keywords
  • action science,
  • physics curriculum,
  • middle school
Publication Date
Winter December, 2009
Citation Information
William H. Robertson. "Dr. Skateboard’s action science: Teaching physics in context" The science education review Vol. 8 Iss. 1 (2009)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/robertson/3/