🚀 go-pugleaf

     With regards to alternative forms of assessment, this is one of my
favorites.  I call it "Topics of Interest".  Add a videotape of the
presentation and you have excellent portfolio material. (I don't videotape
it yet but expect to soon).

     IMHO, though, don't do this stuff unless you intend to do it well, and
well translates to a l-o-n-g time.  My class of 22 has worked most of a
month, 7 periods/week; the class of 12 took about one week less. I feel
caught between a rock and a hard place with the expectations of alternate
assessment; while it is very valuable, and, in fact, my favorite part of
the course, the fact is that standardized tests don't, for the most part,
test it.  In other words we should do it but it may make us look bad and
hurt our students' standings in competitive testing.  I do it anyhow.

     Another form of assessment is Kennywood Park Physics Day, scheduled
for May 12 (alternate day May 17).  I expect to post a note about it soon.
<<Joe>>

    ++++++++++++++++++++
Joseph F. McLaughlin, Physics
JXM39@PSUVM.psu.edu
Brentwood High School
3601 Brownsville Rd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15227

TOI PROJECT

Grading Categories & Criteria:


I. CONTENT (3 pt max): Was the speaker familiar with the
topic? Was it researched and organized well? Did the
topic relate to a clearly-defined physics
theory/principle? Did the presentation make sense to you?

II. DEMO/VISUAL AID (3 pt max): Was it an important part
of the explanation?  Was it operated/used properly?

III. UNIQUENESS/CREATIVITY/DIFFICULTY (2 pt max): Did the
speaker choose a  unique or difficult topic? Was it a
creative presentation? Did you learn something new?

IV. STYLE/APPEARANCE (2 pt max): Were pronunciation,
speed, voice level, and attire/appearance OK? Was
sufficient practice evident? Were notes used properly?

The teacher grades on 30 pt, the student grades herself
on 20 pt, the average of the class totals is the
remaining 10 of 60 points total.



TOI (topic of interest) Project               Physics

PURPOSE

      The intent of this project is to give each student
the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge of a chosen
topic in physics.  Students will select topics of
interest, relate the topic to an important
theory/principle in physics, research the topic, then
present it to the class in a way which involves some
demonstration, construction, visual aid, or other
tangible means of explaining and clarifying the idea.
Uniqueness and creativity are encouraged in both the
choice of topic and the means of presentation.

      The teacher's role in this exercise is that of
facilitator and coach.  The teacher is responsible to
suggest appropriate topics, direct students to suitable
demos/visual aids and references, preview the students'
work for factual, conceptual, or procedural flaws, and
otherwise assist the student in preparing an interesting
presentation of "good physics".

GRADES

Students will be graded on a minimum of three items:

-- A declaration of the topic (10 pt).

-- A written presentation designed to convince the
teacher that she/he is prepared to give the actual
presentation.  This is due at least 2 days in advance of
the presentation.  (25 pt)

-- The presentation itself which shall be 5-10 minutes in
length (5 pt per minute penalty) and graded with the
form/formula submitted by all in the classroom. (60 pt)

*******************************
Note: in two years of TOI, I have insisted that all
students have some apparatus except for one presentation
on special relativity.