Stem On Ice: Using Figure Skating And Modeling To Apply Scientific Concepts

Source abstract

In light of recent national efforts to create interdisciplinary STEM activities, a mathematics and physics modeling context for prospective middle school teachers is presented. The activity relates pairs figure skating lifts with the conservation of linear momentum inelastic collision equation. Preservice teachers' work is analyzed in terms of their use of the inquiry process, teacher talk, and use of scientific concepts relevant to the activity.