May 28, 2021 -- The Physical Science class participated in a Driver’s Education - Physics Unit which explored introductory physics concepts with everyone’s favorite and most sought after mode of transportation, cars. All students, including hybrid and 100% virtual, were deeply involved in researching and analyzing multiple scenarios with different types of objects in motion. Students were instructed to collect data with their Physics “Buggy” cars and review real BMV practice questions from the Ohio Driver's Temporary License test. The lesson was co-taught by Heights High’s physics teachers Ms. Buettner and Ms. Greene.
In order to prepare for this inaugural Buettner-Green (B-G) Buggy Battle, students were tasked with mastering the following:
Distinguishing between scalar vs. vector quantities
Analyzing given position-time graphs
Developing position-time graphs for various and random scenarios
Calculating constant velocity through student data collection techniques, graphing, and discovered data points
Manipulating velocity in order to formulate a specific outcome
On pre-race day, students spun the wheel in order to claim their buggy color, number, and speed. They then received their racing assignments which specified who they would be battling. Students worked independently and calculated where their buggies would crash with their racing partner under two parameters: leaving their starting positions at the exact same time and the buggies had to travel in opposite directions, leaving from opposite ends of the 1.5m race track.
On race day, the B-G Buggy Battle was well underway. Students practiced releasing their vehicles at the same time. Racing Teams filled out their “Driver’s Registration” Card. Once Drivers were called to the track, student teams placed the crash site “finish line” along the 0-1.5m track, lining up the “finish line” at the same exact location as their calculated, researched crash position. Students work together in order to release both cars simultaneously. Drivers, in-person and virtual student spectators , and judges watched while cheering everyone on as the buggies battled it out; Testing the accuracy and success of the constant velocity equations. Student team buggy battle scores were given based on the live battle results with a direct crash on the “finish line” equal to + 1 bonus point. Each team had two attempts to achieve a successful crash with scores associated with the colored bands on student placed grading rubric. Each and every single buggy battle was recorded by Ms. Buettner in case we needed to “go to the judges/the tape”. All students could view all of the action live in the classroom via the buggy battle Track and via google meet.
It is safe to say that the 1st annual B-G Buggy Battle was an absolute success, and with all of the official results reviewed and reported in, practically every single one of these incredible student racing teams that battled it out on the 0-1.5m racetrack ended up crashing within the Green Grading Band.
Ms. Buettner and Ms. Green shared their class inside joke saying, "Basically, they crushed it! Oh yeah!"
Getting In-Sync, Period 7: (Back to front) Matthew Mills, Nataejai Thomas, Durell Hairston, Jaimer Clayton, Brandon Harris, and Jada Rose Williams
Buggy Battle, Period 1 - (L-R) Emmanaul Austin, Nathan Margiotta, Mason McKenzie, and Austin Jeffries.
Student teams line up their "Crash Finish Line, Period 2: (L-R) Rachel O'Keeffe, Salaya Davis, Zekiah Davis, and Taylor Sturdivant
Designated Drivers for virtual students, Period 6: (L-R) Aniyah Flannagan and Elizabeth Sturdivant
Buggy Battle In Motion, Period 8: (L-R) Shane Crawford, Elgeron Jones, Emanni Hurt, and Ms. Buettner
Crashing finish line during the first attempt