Chain Experiment competition inspires learning of physics. (8th February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dziob, Daniel; Górska, Urszula; Kołodziej, Tomasz
• Is Part Of: European journal of physics. Volume 38:Number 3(2017:May)
• Publication Date: 2017-02-08
• Subjects: Chain Experiment -- physics competition -- collaborative learning -- gamification; Physics -- Periodicals; Physics -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Europe -- Periodicals; 530
• DOI: 10.1088/1361-6404/38/3/034002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-0807

Abstract

Abstract: The Chain Experiment is an annual competition which originated in Slovenia in 2005 and later expanded to Poland in 2013. For the purpose of the event, each participating team designs and builds a contraption that transports a small steel ball from one end to the other. At the same time the constructed machine needs to use a number of interesting phenomena and physics laws. In the competition's finale, all contraptions are connected to each other to form a long chain transporting steel balls. In brief, they are all evaluated for qualities such as: creativity and advance in theoretical background, as well as the reliability of the constructed machine to work without human help. In this article, we present the contraptions developed by students taking part in the competition in order to demonstrate the advance in theoretical basis together with creativity in design and outstanding engineering skills of its participants. Furthermore, we situate the Chain Experiment in the context of other group competitions, at the same time demonstrating that—besides activating numerous group work skills—it also improves the ability to think critically and present one's knowledge to a broader audience. We discussed it in the context of problem based learning, gamification and collaborative testing.