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PD WEBINAR

 

 

Playground Physics

 

Our mission at PocketLab is to remove barriers to more engaged science classroom.

 

 

 

Chat Transcript

 

What You’ll Learn

In this one-hour PD with veteran science PBL teacher and curriculum designer, you’ll learn how to transform your students into playground engineers. Using simulations, mathematics and data collection, students explore science phenomena on a playground, then design slides, swings, and safety surfaces that are both thrilling AND safe.

You will be prepared to have your students:

  • Investigate Newton's Laws through hands-on experiments- analyzing force and acceleration with real sensor data
  • Explore energy transformation by studying pendulum motion and applying concepts to swing set design
  • Apply momentum and impulse principles to test and select safe ground surfaces and crash cushion materials
  • Design & Build model playgrounds that meet real safety standards
  • Optional: Present their playground designs to your local government Parks and Architect departments

 


 
 
PocketLab makes teaching easier

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Modern Probeware
 
Easy to use multi-function sensors for the STEM classroom. Spend less class time prepping and more time teaching, learning, and applying.
 

Notebook

Curriculum & Lab Support

In addition to wireless data collection and visualization, this FREE web app includes thousands of interactive, standards-aligned lessons and resources rich with time-saving AI tools for teachers.

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Community
 
Our Science is Cool (ScIC) community offers free PD, virtual field trips, podcasts, and events that keep STEM teaching fresh and inspiring.

 

Webinar Highlights

* All times listed in CT

 

4:00 PM
Dave Bakker
PocketLab CEO

Welcome & Introductions

 

What is PocketLab & Science is Cool


Further opportunities to engage

    • PD Webinar: Steve Spangler and the Science of Magic → Sign-up
    • All-day PD Unconference: Science is Cool 16 Hawai‘i → Sign-up
    • AI in Education Newsletter → Sign-up
    • Science is Cool Podcast → Tune-in
4:05 PM
Sara Plowman
Project Based Learning Science Teacher, Advisor, & Curriculum Designer

What is Project Based Learning (PBL) 

  • Overview of how this teaching method promotes inquiry, improves engagement, and elevates students understanding through discovery

4:10 PM
Sara

Introduction to the Playground Physics Lesson Unit

4:35 PM
Sara

Implentation, Simplifiction, and Extensions

  • How to use this unit in your class

  • Ways to simplify or extend learning with this unit
4:45 PM
Sara & Dave

Q&A with Attendees 

 

Taught by

Sara Plowman- PBL Science Teacher, Advisor, & Curriculum Designer
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District

Sara is a 20+ year veteran teacher at Santa Monica High School's project-based learning pathway, where she specializes in differentiated, cross-curricular, experiential education with an emphasis on climate literacy, data analysis, and inquiry-based learning. Her expertise has been recognized through her selection as a National Geographic Grosvenor Teaching Fellow in 2016, which took her to Antarctica, and a subsequent 2023 partnership with National Geographic to explore climate change in the Arctic with visiting scientists—experiences that directly inform the data-driven climate projects she develops for her students.

 

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All LIVE attendees will receive a PD certificate via email after the event concludes

The Tools Behind the Demo

PocketLab Sensor Family

  • Instantly record 30 different measurements such as acceleration, CO2, pH, air quality, temperature, humidity, magnetic fields and more
  • Multi-function, compact and wireless
  • Intuitive design facilitates quicker lab prep. Learning just one sensor prepares students for them all.
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Free Notebook Web App 🔗

  • Wirelessly connects with any PocketLab sensor

  • Hundreds of ready-to-use lessons included

  • Real-time data visualization for inquiry learning

  • Built-in AI tools help differentiate lessons
Notebook

Resources

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