What can we do to make driving safe for everyone?

Dear friends,

Bri aced high school biology and chemistry and had every intention of acing physics. Mitchell survived biology and chemistry and planned to stay under the radar in physics. They enjoyed different hobbies and envisioned different careers. But they entered their junior year with one big thing in common: they were turning 16 and couldn’t wait to get their driver’s licenses.

Alexis Vargas, their physics teacher in Anaheim, California, couldn’t wait to give them both the crash course they really needed. That would be the “Collisions and Momentum” unit in our new OpenSciEd Physics Program.

“Many of you are about to become licensed drivers! So what can we do to make driving safer for you and everyone else? Let’s figure it out together,” Vargas informed the class.

Vargas loved this unit. It was bursting with interesting physics concepts and relevant to all of his students. He knew it would motivate Mitchell to stop staring at his phone and start asking questions. He knew it would motivate Bri to stop asking questions about tests and start investigating like a scientist. And he was right. For the next several weeks, his students became consumed by the concerning rise in vehicle collisions and fatalities. They analyzed real-world statistics, modeled collisions through an engineering task, and evaluated solutions for reducing injuries.

Then in the middle of a lesson, Mitchell pulled out his phone and started scrolling. “I’m just looking up my family’s car to see if it has a crumple zone!” he assured Vargas.

Mitchell and his classmates figured out exactly how dangerous it was to drive–especially some of their dream classic cars. They developed a deep understanding of mechanics, and an even deeper desire to become safe and responsible drivers. Bri especially enjoyed giving her mom a science-based lecture to stop sending those “quick texts” from the road.

BSCS Science Learning created the OpenSciEd Physics Program for students like Bri and Mitchell. We are on a constant pursuit to engage students in science they’ll be motivated to use throughout their lives and careers.

Teachers like Vargas, who help us write, test, and implement high quality science materials, are critical partners in this pursuit.

So are friends like you. Your ongoing support helps us change the landscape of K-12 science education. Will you make a contribution to BSCS’s Innovation Fund today?

Sincerely,

Daniel C. Edelson
BSCS Executive Director