Science is Cool PD Workshop: Playground Physics Project Based Learning

FREE TEACHER PD WORKSHOP

Playground Physics

Thursday, March 26, 2026
2-3pm Pacific Time, 5-6pm Eastern Time

Join veteran science teacher Sara Plowman as she shares her Project Based Learning Unit, Playground Physics

Watch your physics students transform into playground engineers! Sara shares how to implement this engaging unit in your classroom.

Using simulations, mathematics and data collection, students explore science phenomena on a playground, then design slides, swings, and safety surfaces that are both thrilling AND safe.

You'll be prepared to have students:

Investigate Newton's Laws through hands-on experiments- analyzing force and acceleration with real sensor data
Explore energy transformation by studying pendulum motion and applying concepts to swing set design
Apply momentum and impulse principles to test and select safe ground surfaces and crash cushion materials
Design & Build model playgrounds that meet real safety standards
Optional: Present their playground designs to your local government Parks and Architect departments

Includes:

Free PD certificate for attendees
Three complete curriculum modules with step-by-step lesson plans
PocketLab sensor activities for each unit
Student worksheets and data analysis templates
Final project rubric and presentation guidelines
NGSS alignment documentation
Webinar recording if you cannot make it live or for re-watching

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Can't make it live? No problem—register to watch the recording on your own schedule.

Why is this important?

Hands-on, student-led data collection transforms science from something students read about into something they actively do. When students use tools (digital or analog) to gather real-time data—on motion, temperature, force, or acceleration—they’re not just learning about scientific concepts, they’re experiencing them firsthand. This inquiry driven approach fosters student led discovery, deeper understanding, encourages curiosity, and builds critical thinking skills as students design investigations, make observations, and draw conclusions based on their own evidence.

Sara Plowman- PBL Science Teacher, Advisor, & Curriculum Designer
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District

Sara is a 20+ year veteran teacher at Santa Monica High School's project-based learning pathway, where she specializes in differentiated, cross-curricular, experiential education with an emphasis on climate literacy, data analysis, and inquiry-based learning. Her expertise has been recognized through her selection as a National Geographic Grosvenor Teaching Fellow in 2016, which took her to Antarctica, and a subsequent 2023 partnership with National Geographic to explore climate change in the Arctic with visiting scientists—experiences that directly inform the data-driven climate projects she develops for her students.

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Many scientists were first curious kids

Facilitate student-led inquiry with PocketLab's multi-function wireless sensors.

PocketLab Notebook offers 100’s of FREE, classroom-ready lessons to keep the guided exploration going. Notebook features built-in AI tools for easy differentiation of lesson content, translation, auto-grading and more.

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