AP Physics B Year End Project 2011

Your end of the year project is to research a topic of your choice and “teach” this to the class in a unique way. Your research should include details of the physics involved. The project will be worth 27 points. Due dates and specific requirements are listed in the table below. No latework will be accepted.

This is your chance to research something you find interesting & exciting. Some topic options include: hobbies, sports, music, art, astronomy, modern physics, “how something works”, etc…. You can also make a connection between physics and music or art, how one has influenced the other.

You will “demonstrate” your project to the class . The goal is to teach the class something new in an entertaining & educational format. Make it fun & exciting! You will choose how to present the project and what visual aids you will use. You may use Power Point as part of this, but you must use some other form of demonstration or visual aid besides PP. Make a video, build a model, do a demonstration, rap or dance, get the audience involved, make it lively!

You may work in small groups ( 3 people max). Your team should be listed in your topic proposal and may not change after that has been turned in.

Zero Tolerance for Video Games. Playing video games = max grade of a B on this project. Lose brain cells and do mock violence on your own time

List of project requirements.

Topic and Proposal
Updated outline of project
Project demonstration or presentation, “teaching” the class
Final Report

Item / Due Date / Points

Topic & Proposal

Select one topic, describe your project focus (one paragraph) and how you plan to present the project.You must describe the format of your presentation material(s). / May 27th Friday / 3
Updated Outline (typed)
A one page outline of your project. This should include a more detailed outline of your topic and research. Also should include an overview of your presentation and what you are planning on doing. This should be typed and no less than one page in length (double spaced is fine) / June 2nd Thursday / 4

Project Presentation

You will present (“teach”) the project to the class
(10-15 minutes). The presentation should include visual/audio means to creatively explain your research project to the class. A Power Point is not enough, although you can combine this with some other form of demonstration, model, performance, etc. / June 8th Wednesday / 10

Final Report (typed)

(A final paper which outlines your research and includes a bibliography of at least 3 references. The paper should be approximately 2 pages in length per person) / June 8th Wednesday / 10

Project Scoring Rubric For Presentation and Final Report

Pts / Poor / Acceptable / Excellent
Project Presentation

Use of physics

/ 5 / Few concepts are demonstrated/ illustrated in ways that may lack creativity or show little understanding / Many concepts are demonstrated in ways that show basic understanding / Many concepts are demonstrated creatively in ways that show understanding beyond simple replication or application

Quality of Demonstration

/ 5 / Demonstration if unclear, poorly performed, uninteresting, not rehearsed / Demonstration is clear and rehearsed, moderately interesting / Demonstration is clear, creative, detailed, uses appropriate and interesting visual aids or demonstrations. Presented in a very interesting way.
Final Report

Use of physics and evidence of research

/ 5 / Few concepts relating to physics, little research / Material is accurate, explains basic physics ideas / Many concepts are introduced and thoroughly explained showing both depth of knowledge and research.

Clear understanding, writing quality

/ 5 / Sentence structure is marginally readable, wording is unoriginal, little or no evidence of understanding of material / Writing is clear with good syntax and usage. Language is not plagiarized and shows some understanding of the material. / Writing is clear, well constructed, interesting, with excellent syntax and usage. Language is not plagiarized and shows strong understanding of content.