New Perspectives in Science Education

Inspiring Science Education (ISE) (http://www.inspiringscience.eu/) is an EU-funded initiative that seeks to further the use of inquiry-based science learning (IBSL) through the medium of ICT in the classroom. The “Basketball Shot” is a lesson plan that involves the use of video capture to help the student investigate the concepts of speed, velocity and acceleration. Using the LoggerPro programme from Vernier Software and Technology, a video is captured of a player throwing a ball towards the basket. The ball does not reach the basket, but instead bounces on the floor and continues its motion. The concept of constant velocity, vectors, acceleration in two dimensions is therefore demonstrated. Moreover, a connection with mathematics is established where the relevancy of linear and quadratic equations, together with the concept of vectors, are clearly demonstrated in the context of the motion of the ball with the curve fitting features of the program. The lesson plan challenges the student to make and subsequently test their predictions using mathematical formulae. The lesson plan addresses the call for authenticity in science practical work.Research suggests that real world data simulations promote problem-solving amongst students, peer to peer active engagement and higher order thinking. The many advantages derived from such approaches are thus that they underpin inquiry-based learning, learner and knowledge-centred instruction.