Ramps, Pathways & Balls: A Constructivist Endeavor in Physical Knowledge (#3-TEAMWORK)

ACTIVITY: Today all three participants were present.  The students were instructed to work together as a group to achieve the task.  This meant that they could converse and build one structure together.  The task was to (with one ball drop) have the ball move forward in one direction then move into the opposite direction.  The students were again, positioned on the floor around the structure they were building.  The participants were allowed to use any and all of the materials (ramps, pathways, blocks, and balls) provided.


REFLECTIONS: I immediately noticed that CAC (who was not present the first day) did not participate in the construction.  She tinkered with balls and blocks as she intermittently watched ALM and BCC build the structure.  She was reminded several times that everyone had something to contribute and which meant she should be helping her classmates.  She reluctantly joined at my urging.  CAC never did fully participate or contribute anything useful to the group.  As seen in the pictures below, ALM and BCC created a structure similar to the ones created on the first day.  In order to complete the task, they used blocks at the based of the ramp they constructed to make the ball turn and begin to roll in the opposite direction.  Unfortunately, they were unable to completely master the task in the time allotted.  I prompted their thinking by asking a series of questions.  "Tell me what you were thinking when you used the blocks in this manner.  Why do you think this was an effective use of the materials?  Is there anything you could do differently?  What observations did you make about the materials you are working with?"

SURPRISES: ALM and BCC found that the balls were not all alike.  They said different colored balls had different weights and density.  They said this could be observed in the way the balls bounced and how they moved when released down the ramps and pathways.  CAC did was either not interested in the task or found it difficult to complete.

NEXT STEPS: The students were not able to complete the task in one session so they will continue to work on this task until completion.  They are very close to mastering the task so I think one additional session will yield success for them.  CAC will need to complete the activity on the first day.  This will allow me to gain a greater insight into possible reasons for her lack of participation today.