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Conservation of momentum lesson plan — March’s Quest of the Month

Corrinna PoleMarch 6, 2020

QotM-2020-03 (James Watts)

Need to drive your student’s physics lesson forward to avoid crash landings (and smashed eggs)? Classcraft’s Quest of the Month counters learning inertia with a kinetic lesson that would knock Newton’s socks off! 

Each month at Classcraft, we choose one awesome quest — personalized, self-paced, choose-your-own-adventure lessons for students — to share with educators everywhere! For March, momentum and collision is the theme with “Cave Passage,” crafted by James “Doc” Watts. 

Packaged with a good story and integrated with useful class resources, this physics quest challenges students to flex their problem-solving skills. Added to the equation are team activities, starting with a round-robin structured battle, complete with instructions from Kagan Structures. 

Those who struggle to move forward early on can take a branching pathway to an interactive guided review with Google Slides. Another side quest explores device construction using 3D printing. At the end of the lesson, students will have to strategize and prep for battle (a test!) with organized notes and quiz cards. But don’t worry, they will have a chance for a class review first. 

Import this quest now to start using it with your class.

If you use Classcraft, you can submit the quests you’ve created for the next Quest of the Month on our submission page. Our goal is to spotlight the amazing educators who inspire us and share creative, teacher-made content with our global community of forward-thinking educators.

If you’re new to Classcraft, check out how quests can supercharge your lesson plans. Whether you’re a Classcraft newbie or pro, everyone can level-up their quests with our free plug-and-play narrative experience, Story Mode

 Let’s shift the position and keep the momentum by hearing from James. Take it away, “Doc”!

QotM-2020-03 (James Watts) Gamemaster
Classcraft Gamemaster James “Doc” Watts

What are your teaching stats?

James: I’ve been teaching in some capacity for more than 10 years. I’ve worked in college, industry, and high school. Currently, I teach grades 9-12 physical science, integrated science, and English as a Second Language at Schuyler Central High School in Schuyler, Nebraska. 

What inspires you?

James: My students! I strive to make my classes better for my students every day. This inspires me to be creative and think outside the textbook. 

What made you decide to use Classcraft? 

James: I wanted to use something that had a leveling system so I could try to turn my room into one massive game.

Your favorite things about Classcraft are …

James: I really enjoy the leveling system and the powers. I haven’t figured out the best use of powers and gameplay for my students ⁠— but I’m working on it. I also like quests. When I’m at professional development or absent for another reason, quests allow my students to know what to work on and have a little story to go with them.

QotM-2020-03 (James Watts) Quest: Cave Passage
Quest: Cave Passage

Why do you love the quest you created? 

James: I love my quest because it prepared my students for an egg drop project they were doing. It also had an open review of material for students to answer questions and move through a tutorial. The project is very cool, but I recommend this quest for the refresher tutorial. Teachers should make these for students whenever possible. 

What did your students think of your quest? How did they react? 

James: My students really loved the project. Only a few took advantage of the refresher tutorial side quest. I hope to make more epic projects that bring joy to my students’ faces — like the expressions I saw when they dropped eggs in the boxes they made and were hoping their eggs survived! We joked about some being a little banged up, and some with some “brain matter” … others were crushed on impact. 

What fact about you would surprise students?

James: I’m a first degree black belt. 

What sort of morning routine do you have to get jazzed for class?

James: I start my morning with a long commute. I say prayers that through my actions, I can show God’s love and go through my day’s plans with Him. 

How do you think students will remember you and your class?

James: The weird teacher with the hard tests, but with lots of opportunity for growth. 

Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?

James: Growth Mindset: Failure isn’t final nor is it acceptable