It's spring which means the daffodils are out in our garden and it's time to do the IA again.

I do the IA at the end of the first year because:

• students have time
• students are enthusiastic
• students haven't forgotten the skills they have learnt
• students haven't been influenced by IA's in other subjects
• I have time to give feedback

Some might think its a bit early but i think it's OK. We have covered mechanics, rotational dynamics, circular motion, gravitation, oscillations, intro to waves, thermal physics and thermodynamics. So plenty to go on.

This is the second time around. I have learnt a few things so hope to make improvements.

• students did a mini IA to gain understanding in the process and marking.
• I am directing students towards ideas where they understand the theory, dare I say it, simple ideas.

Here are the topics so far

1. modeling pull ups
2. modeling a martial arts kick
3. angle vs range for a projectile
4. strength of a bridge vs span
5. fall height vs speed of turbine in a model hydro power station
6. using a fan to exert a torque on a turntable
7. the relationship between the mass of a trolley and momentum in a collision
8. the height reached by a ball and the depth of release under water
9. tension of guitar strings
10. damping and area of pendulum bob