Acknowledgments About the Author 1. What Is Action Science? 2. Constructivism and the Classroom Teacher 3. Making Science Relevant in the Middle Grades 4. Linking Pedagogy and Science Content in Practice 5. Using the 5 Es in Action Science 6. Unlocking Resources for Active Learning 7. Action Science and the Future 8. Action Science Classroom Activities Activity 1: Flatland BMX and the Center of Gravity Activity 2: Thrust and Drag on a Cushion of Air Activity 3: Finding a Point of Reference Activity 4: Acceleration Is Velocity in Motion Activity 5: Force Makes a Mass Move Activity 6: Action Reaction Activity 7: Skateboards Have Levers and Fulcrums Activity 8: Around the World With Wheels and Axles Index
Put student engagement on the fast-track Think action sports like skateboarding and BMX have nothing to do with physical science? Think again, especially as they relate to fundamental physics concepts like motion, force, and simple machines-not to mention the problem solving required. What's more, because kids will want to, observing action sports is a perfect vehicle for promoting self-directed and collaborative learning . . . with Action Science as your driver's manual. Through a combination of book and video, Bill Robertson provides all the materials you'll need to get started, with the NGSS very much in full view. Inside and outside, you'll find: Detailed instructional methods on momentum, center of gravity, inertia, and centrifugal and centripetal forces Hands-on classroom activities and experiments, including some utilizing common household materials Captivating video via QR codes of top professional and amateur extreme sports athletes demonstrating authentic, high-flying maneuvers Robertson, an associate professor in science and technology education at the University of Texas at El Paso--and an avid skateboarder-has extensively piloted the Action Science program. It works! "This is an outstanding resource for any middle school science teacher trying to engage unmotivated students or implement problem-based learning strategies in a way that is exciting and meaningful!" --Melissa Miller, Middle School Science Teacher Lynch Middle School Farmington, AR
Dr. William H. Robertson is an Associate Professor in the Teacher Education Department in the College of Education at the University of Texas, El Paso. His academic areas of expertise are in science education, curriculum development and technology integration in the K-12 levels. Additionally, he develops, researches and teaches materials related to problem-based learning and action science. Dr. Robertson was a recipient of the 2009 University of Texas Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award for Tenure-Track Faculty and in 2008, Dr. Robertson was selected as a Fulbright US Scholar and worked in Santiago, Chile at the Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencia de la Educacion (UMCE) in the department of Physics. Previous to coming to UTEP, Dr. Robertson was an employee at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Dr. Robertson completed his Ph.D. in Multicultural Teacher and Childhood Education with an emphasis in science and technology at the University of New Mexico in 2000. He has also obtained a Master's degree Science Education from the University of Colorado - Boulder, a BA degree in Spanish from UTEP, a BS in Biology from Northern Arizona, a BA degree in History from Duke University. A long time participant and performer in skateboarding with over 35 years in the sport, Dr. Robertson has developed Dr. Skateboard's Action Science (http://www.drskateboard.com), which addresses physical science concepts for middle school students utilizing skateboarding and bicycle motocross (BMX).