*If you are interested in enrolling in the entire Showdown series (12 classes), I recommend looking at my class listing, "The Complete Showdown Series: You vs. Science." In this on-going class (meeting the same day and time each week), I will teach each Showdown class one week at a time until all classes in the series have been taught.

If you have any questions, feel free to message me.

Forces Showdown

This class is the first in a series of science showdowns. This class focuses on the use of force to accomplish more work with less effort. Students are welcome to take a class in the STEM Forces Showdown series in any order. However, this class is an excellent foundational class to take first because all other showdowns incorporate student knowledge of force.

After meeting and greeting everyone, I will begin by reviewing the concept of force. We will discuss what force is and how using a larger force isn't always the best choice. I will connect with the students' prior knowledge about force through the use of real-life examples, images and video clips. We will discuss how simple machines can help make the force applied more effective.

Following this, I will explain a series of interactive challenges (mini-games) designed to test the students' understanding of forces - large and small. Students will use direct and indirect forces in a variety of situations using different tools and materials.

After each explanation, I will ask the students to attempt the challenge on their own. Students will then report back to the class about their experience using small and large forces. This will be followed by a discussion on how forces effected the challenges.

*Please check out the materials needed for our challenges. The list is located under "Supply List" further down on this course description page. Students will need to have the materials ready before class starts. This will give them more time to experiment with each challenge during class.

After all the challenges have been completed and discussed, I will share additional "bonus" challenges and encourage students to attempt these alone or with their family after class ends.

Each student will receive a written list of all completed challenges as well as the "bonus" challenges.