1-Pager
11th Grade  Project 2 weeks

Electrifying Adventures: Lightning Lab Unleashed!

Brianna G
HS-PS3-5
HS-PS3-5
HS-PS1-3
Productive Collaborator
Critical Thinker
+ 2 more
1-pager

Purpose

This unit aims to deepen students' understanding of electrostatics and molecular structures through real-world applications, specifically focusing on lightning phenomena and safety. By engaging in hands-on experiments, collaborative model-building, and interactions with community experts, students will develop critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills. The project culminates in a public symposium where students present their insights and safety proposals, fostering a sense of responsibility and community engagement.

Learning goals

Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of electrostatic principles and molecular structures, applying this knowledge to design safer environments against lightning strikes. They will enhance their critical thinking and collaboration skills by engaging in hands-on experiments, model-building, and real-world applications with community partners. Through reflective journaling and peer feedback, students will refine their communication abilities and embrace diverse perspectives, culminating in a public awareness campaign and symposium to demonstrate their learning and impact on community safety.
Standards
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] HS-PS3-5 - Develop and use a model of two objects interacting through electric or magnetic fields to illustrate the forces between objects and the changes in energy of the objects due to the interaction.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] HS-PS3-5 - Develop and use a model of two objects interacting through electric or magnetic fields to illustrate the forces between objects and the changes in energy of the objects due to the interaction.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] HS-PS1-3 - Plan and conduct an investigation to gather evidence to compare the structure of substances at the bulk scale to infer the strength of electrical forces between particles.
Competencies
  • Productive Collaborator - Engages with others to achieve a common goal through building positive relationships, actively listening, showing empathy, and making individual contributions to a larger group.
  • Critical Thinker - Thinks deeply and makes informed decisions to create solutions or new understanding supported by relevant and reliable evidence.
  • Effective Communicator - Engages diverse audiences respectfully by exchanging ideas and information responsibly, listening actively, speaking and writing clearly, and using print and digital media appropriately.
  • Engaged Citizen - Shows respect and empathy across differences, embraces diversity of opinion, seeks cultural understanding, participates in the democratic process to challenge the status quo, and makes a positive impact on their community and the world.

Products

Throughout the unit, students will create educational videos or animations that explain the science behind lightning and safety measures, utilizing their models and experiments to illustrate key concepts. These products will be showcased during the 'Thunderstorm Symposium' to educate the community on lightning risks and safety precautions. Additionally, students will design informative brochures or digital content for a lightning safety awareness campaign, demonstrating their understanding through public engagement. These products will serve as tangible representations of their learning and contributions to community safety.

Launch

Kick off the learning experience with a 'Storm Chasers' Challenge, where students work in teams to solve interactive puzzles related to lightning safety and electrostatics. Use real-time lightning data from the local meteorological center to provide clues and context for the tasks. This engaging activity will set the stage for collaborative exploration of electrostatic principles and safety measures, while fostering teamwork and critical thinking skills.

Exhibition

During the 'Thunderstorm Symposium,' students will present their research and safety proposals to a panel of experts from the meteorological center and fire department. This event will include an open discussion with community members, allowing students to engage with diverse perspectives on improving local lightning safety measures. The symposium will also feature student-created educational videos and animations, providing a platform for students to showcase their understanding of lightning phenomena and safety strategies to the broader community.