Video Analysis and Modeling Performance Task to promote becoming like scientists in classrooms

TL;DR

This study explores using the free Tracker video analysis tool in Singaporean Grade 9 physics classes to promote scientific practices and authentic learning, showing increased student engagement and meaningful understanding.

Contribution

It presents a pedagogical framework integrating Tracker with science practices, along with design ideas and initial evidence of effectiveness in fostering scientific skills.

Findings

Students showed increased enjoyment and engagement.

Performance artifacts indicated deeper understanding and skill development.

Use of Tracker facilitated authentic scientific inquiry.

Abstract

This paper aims to share the use of Tracker a free open source video analysis and modeling tool that is increasingly used as a pedagogical tool for the effective learning and teaching of Physics for Grade 9 Secondary 3 students in Singapore schools to make physics relevant to the real world. We discuss the pedagogical use of Tracker, guided by the Framework for K-12 Science Education by National Research Council, USA to help students to be more like scientists. For a period of 6 to 10 weeks, students use a video analysis coupled with the 8 practices of sciences such as 1. Ask question, 2. Use models, 3. Plan and carry out investigation, 4. Analyse and interpret data, 5. Use mathematical and computational thinking, 6. Construct explanations, 7. Argue from evidence and 8. Communicate information. This papers focus in on discussing some of the performance task design ideas such as 3.1 flip video, 3.2 starting with simple classroom activities, 3.3 primer science activity, 3.4 integrative dynamics and kinematics lesson flow using Tracker progressing from video analysis to video modeling, 3.5 motivating performance task, 3.6 assessment rubrics and lastly 3.7 close mentorship. Initial research findings using pre and post perception survey, triangulated with student interviews suggest an increased level of students enjoyment. Most importantly, the artefacts of the students performance task in terms of the research report and Tracker .TRZ files, further suggest that the use of the Tracker for performance tasks, guided by the Framework for K-12 Science Education by National Research Council, USA, can be an innovative way to mentor authentic and meaningful learning that empowers students to be more like scientists as defined in the K-12 Science Education Framework in classrooms.