Developing Freedom of Choice in Learning during 8th Grade Science

I am working with another one of our great staff members in trying to develop a project that allows students some freedom in their learning and possibilities to showcase their knowledge while providing some parameters so it is not pure chaos.

Here is the basic structure. We are currently seeking some guidance and ideas to help make this a more successful project.

Key Science Topics

• Newton's Three Laws
• Momentum
• Conservation of Energy
• Gravity
• Work and Power
• Kinetic and Potential Energy

We are thinking that students can create Design Teams of 1-3 students to come up with a blueprint of a design of an experiment/simulation/construction of their learning. We are thinking that they will have to incorporate at least three of these major ideas into a seamless presentation of some manner.

We are stuck on the following

• A launch to kick it off
• More precise parameters to really make this an engaging higher order learning opportunity and not just a cookie cutter spew of facts looking pretty
• Something that is different from how things have always been taught

As always I will share the results when all is said and done. If you have a suggestion or idea we would love to hear from you.