Science forces at work

Bowling for Year 4s improved dramatically when physics was included in the equation.

By Emily Bates

HOW best for students to finish a science physics unit than to put their knowledge to the test at the Ten Pin Bowling Centre?
Year 4 students had studied forces in term four and celebrated their hard work by watching forces at work.
Students used their new knowledge of pushes, pulls, gravity, friction, mass and speed to hopefully get a ‘strike’ in the alley.
Student Jorja said: ‘It was important to pick a ball that wasn’t too heavy or too light, and just the right size for your hand.
“It wasn’t as easy as I thought because the ball kept rolling to the side.”
Key science teacher Leonie Wilcox explained: “This term the students studied contact and non-contact forces used in games and 60 second challenges.
“Ten pin bowling was an excellent way to culminate the unit of work.”
“I got a strike!” said delighted student Samu.
“Once I worked out how to take the right number of steps, swing my arm freely and aim straight and follow through, it worked!”
The school said the ten pin bowling was enjoyed by all the Sunshine Beach learners and reinforced their understanding of the science concepts related to forces.
It is also an excellent game for young people to sharpen motor skills and their hand-eye co-ordination. Throwing the bowling ball and hitting the pins requires a great amount of hand-eye coordination.
This kind of focus stimulates mental alertness, concentration and tactical strategy, the school said.
It was an exceptional opportunity to bring all the benefits of a practical, fun hands-on activity to strengthen and utilize the theoretical science knowledge being taught.
Sunshine Beach State School is taking enrolments in all year levels, Prep through to Year 6, for 2016.
For further information contact the school principal Jenny Easey by email at principal@sunshinebeachss.eq.edu.au.