Ready to investigate
So, they have used vernier calipers, light gates, video, temperature, and pressure sensors. They've studied mechanics, rotational motion, thermodynamics, SHM, circular motion and gravity as well as learning how to use data studio, LoggerPro, Excel, GeoGebra and Algodoo. I think they are ready to investigate, let the fun begin.
The plan is to start next week and use all class time for the next 3 weeks. Students will do all the planning, measurements, research and analysis in class so I can assist at each stage whilst being sure that the work is the students own. I will use Google classroom to regularly monitor and force them into meeting my deadline.
Some might think this is a bit early in the course and maybe it is, I'll have to see, but my reasoning is that at this time of year the students are not so tired as they are later in the programme so might perform better. As a motivating factor I will add the IA scores onto their first year exam result which forms the basis of their predicted grade (sent to universities).
I will be making regular blog posts during the whole process so watch this space.