Long-term Projects
What is a Long-term?
A long-term is a student-led, authentic research project. Unlike some science fairs or classroom experiments where the outcome is already known or students contribute only a small part, long-terms place students in charge of every aspect of the work—from conception to completion. Students must grapple with how to frame their investigation, determine what counts as data, and figure out how to collect it. They then must present a convincing case for their findings to a scientifically literate audience. And, of course, science only becomes science through critique, which typically happens at a science conference.
Pendulum Training for Long-terms?
We highly recommend using our example lesson on pendulums as training for teaching your students about conducting long-term projects. Click here for a video that details tricks, tips, and hints on this training.
Not Sure Where to Start?
It can be very daunting to lead your students through long-term projects! To help you get started, we have created a detailed series of videos taking you step-by-step through a long-term project involving a deconstructed ball bearing. Don’t worry if you don’t have the supplies to replicate this one in particular; the process is what we are after. A long-term can involve any physical system students are excited about, but need not be expensive.
