Sports in Motion

Overview:

Students investigate the physics of a sport they care about by programming a micro to collect acceleration data during key athletic movements. They analyze their graphs as evidence of Newton’s three laws and use the data to develop evidence-based recommendations for “moving smarter and playing better.”

Students present their findings in a Sports in Motion slideshow, connecting Newton’s laws to their sport, interpreting labeled micro data, and explaining how athletes can use data to improve.

• Time Taken

  4× 80-minute class blocks

• Standards Covered

  Physical Science (Virginia Science Standards of Learning, 2018)

  • PS.8 The student will investigate and understand that work, force, and motion are related. (a) Motion can be described using position and time; (b) motion is described by Newton’s laws.

  • PS.1 Scientific and engineering practices: (a) asking questions and defining problems; (b) planning and carrying out investigations, incl. evaluating the accuracy of data-collection methods and taking measurements with appropriate tools and technologies; (c) interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data, incl. constructing and interpreting graphical displays of data and considering their limitations; (d) constructing explanations and arguments supported by empirical evidence; (e) developing and using models; (f) presenting an argument supported by empirical evidence and scientific reasoning.

  Computer Science Grade 8 (Virginia Computer Science Standards of Learning, 2024)

  • 8.AP.1 Apply computational thinking to construct programs to accomplish a task as a means of creative expression or scientific exploration. (a) Identify patterns and repeated steps; (b) decompose a process into sub-components; (c) abstract relevant information to identify essential details.

  • 8.AP.2 Plan and implement algorithms that include sequencing, loops, variables, user input, conditional control structures, functions, and various data types. (a) Describe input and output of various data types; (c) write and test algorithms using a block-based programming language.

  • 8.AP.3 Use the iterative design process to create, test, and debug programs. (a) Create and test programs that contain multiple control structures; (d) analyze and describe the results of a program to assess validity of outcomes.

  • 8.CSY.2 Apply computational thinking to troubleshoot and document hardware and software-related problems. (a) Apply systematic processes to resolve hardware, software, and connectivity related problems.

  • 8.DA.2 Evaluate computational models to analyze patterns and make recommendations or predictions. (b) Analyze patterns and interpret generated data, identifying meaningful patterns and relationships; (c) utilize data visualization techniques to communicate and present findings.

• Materials Required

  • Micro:Bit v2 for Data Collection

  • Student Laptops for Coding, Data Logging & Analysis

  • [Optional] - Micro:Bit CHARGE Kits for attaching Micro:Bit to limbs or sports equipment