APS Science Curriculum Unit Planner
Grade Level/Subject
Grade 8 Physical Science Unit 8
Stage 1: Desired Results
Enduring Understanding
Motion is an event that is described mathematically.
Correlations
Unifying Understanding
PS 10 a,d
VA SOL
NSES (grade level)
AAAS Atlas
Essential Questions
•
How can we know that something has moved?
•
How can we describe the motion of an object?
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How can we describe the changing motion of an object ?
•
Can something move and yet not change position?
Knowledge and Skills
Students should know:
• Position represented by the symbol x is the location of an object at any
given time.
• The reference point is an arbitrary point on an object used to establish
position
• Motion is a change in position
• Δ (delta) represents the concept of change.
• Δx means change in position.
• Distance is the magnitude of the difference between the initial and final
position.
• The unit of metric measurement for distance is meters.
• The letter d represents distance
• Speed is the distance an object travels in a unit of time.
• The equation for speed is v=d/Δt
• Average speed is the total distance traveled by an object divided by the
total time from start to finish.
• The slope of a line on a distance/time graph varies as the speed changes;
steeper slopes represent faster speeds
• Displacement is the distance an object moves in a particular direction. It
can be positive or negative.
• Position graphs plot position vs time and can have negative slopes
• Acceleration is the change in velocity per unit time
• The units of acceleration are m/s2
• Objects rolling down slopes accelerate. Acceleration is greater on steeper
slopes.
• The mass of a car rolling down a slope has little effect on its acceleration.
Students should be able to:
• Describe an object’s motion in terms of change in position.
• Measure distance in standard metric units
• Calculate distance using the equation d=xf-xi
• Explain how to use a reference point to measure the distance moved by an
object.
• Calculate speed using equations
• Graph speed using distance and time interval data.
• Calculate the slope of a distance time graph
• Conduct experiments to acquire distance and time data to determine and
graph average speed.
• Explain speed in terms of distance and time.
• Discuss the relationship between speed and the slope of a distance versus
time graph.
• Graph multiple speeds on a single grid for comparison
• Explain how to use a graph to determine an object’s speed
• Transfer narrative accounts of motion events into graphic representations.
• Make and use data tables and graphs to determine acceleration.
• Explain the difference between constant velocity and acceleration.
• Identify and interpret graphs to explain accelerating motion.
• Discuss the effects of mass and angle of slope on the acceleration of rolling cars
Stage 2: Assessment Evidence
Prior Knowledge and Skills
•
pre-write on definition of motion
Formative Assessment
Summative Assessment
•
Flight Distances WKS
•
Air Trolley Lab
•
Road Races WKS
•
Speeding Down Slopes
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Who Got there first
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Quiz on Speed and Distance
•
Time Travel A&B
•
Walk/Run Speeds
•
Speed and Distance Practice
•
Quiz on Graphing Speed
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Show Time A&B
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Quiz on Acceleration
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Motion Sensor Lab
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Unit Test
•
Road Trip Wks
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LeisurelyWalks
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Faster and Faster
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Rolling Dotcar
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Car X and Car Z
Stage 3: Learning Plan
References to Adopted Materials
•
Holt CH 5 Section 1
Suggested Investigations
•
FOSS Force and Motion Investigations 1-5
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Vernier Motion Probe Lab
Outdoor Education Applications
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Leisurely walks
•
Faster and Faster
Resources
Web Sites
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http://phet.colorado.edu/
Videos
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Eureka Speed and Acceleration parts 1&2
United Streaming
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Understanding Speed
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Understanding Acceleration and Deceleration
Field Trips
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Other
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