In this paper, a discrepant event is used to initiate a learning cycle1 lesson to help students develop an understanding of the concept and equation for buoyant force. The data are gathered using readily available equipment and then graphically analyzed using a four-step analysis consistent with the modeling instructional approach.2 This laboratory activity is appropriate for high school or first-year college physics, and provides the opportunity for review of free-body diagrams, experimental design, and graphical analysis. We use the “BSCS 5E” version of the Karplus learning cycle idea, popularized by Bybee, in which students are expected to Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate.3
References
1.
For additional information on the five-step learning cycle, see
Jim
and Jane
Nelson
,“Learning cycle model of a science lesson
,” Phys. Teach.
44
, 396
(Sept. 2006
). 2.
For additional information on four-step graphical analysis procedure, see
Jane Bray
Nelson
,“Why multiply by g?
” Phys. Teach.
50
, 161
(March 2012
). 3.
R.
Bybee
, Achieving Scientific Literacy: From Purposes to Practices
(Heinemann
, Portsmouth, NH
, 1997
).Also see, for example,
Dewey I.
Dykstra
Jr.,“A learning cycle on exponential growth and the energy crises
,” Phys. Teach.
20
, 245
(April 1982
). © 2015 American Association of Physics Teachers.
2015
American Association of Physics Teachers
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