Gillian Lucas Physics/Science Department

I attended the SSERC physics residential in September where I was given a wide range of FREE materials including a flip cam, race car sets with ramps and cars, a DIY radio and a wide variety of optics equipment. I was also taught how to use a variety of software including Tracker and Windows Movie Maker. I am going back to SSERC soon to give a presentation on how I have used my freebies as well as the knowledge I gained to enhance the learning experience of my physics classes.

I initially used the race cars with my Higher class to carry out a standard projectiles experiment. This engaged pupils and allowed them to get out of the classroom and get excited about the resources they were using.

I went on to use this equipment with my S3 class who were investigating the minimum potential energy that the car must be given to complete one full loop on the track. Pupils were given limited information about how they were going to carry out the experiment so had to plan the investigation themselves. They then went on to carry out the investigation and present their findings. The pupils were photographed and filmed throughout the activity using my SSERC flip camera. I then used the knowledge I gained about Windows Movie Maker to put together this short video showing the work of the pupils and their feelings on this approach.

I found that the S3 pupils enjoyed the freedom to plan their own experimental approach and were very enthusiastic about taking on responsibility for their own learning. Pupils were not intimidated by the equipment, so were not scared to take risks and try out their ideas.  Pupils took great pride in their poster presentations and were keen to show the rest of the class their approach. I feel that this project was a very positive learning experience for the class.

I have found this SSERC CPD opportunity to be extremely useful. As always SSERC have given me useful ideas that are transferable into the classroom. The school has been given robust equipment that pupils enjoy using, and I have been given some excellent ideas on how get pupils excited about physics. I am really looking forward to going back to SSERC to get even more ideas that I can bring back to school and share with my colleagues.