When Everyday Moments Turn into Physics
Over the past few weeks, our Year 10 and 11 students have been immersed in a hands-on physics laboratory focused on one of the most fundamental yet fascinating phenomena in science: free fall. What might sound simple at first quickly became an eye-opening investigation that connected classroom theory with the real world in a meaningful way.
During the lab sessions, students explored free fall by dropping paper balls from different heights and locations, carefully measuring the time it took for them to reach the ground. From these measurements, they calculated heights and compared results, discussing sources of error and the limits of their methods. The activity encouraged precision, teamwork, and critical thinking, turning a familiar action letting something fall into a scientific investigation.
What made this laboratory especially powerful was the realization students reached along the way: this is a phenomenon they see every single day, yet rarely stop to think about. Through direct experimentation, they began to understand that physics is not confined to equations on a board or diagrams in a textbook. It is everywhere present in the simplest motions around us. This shift in perspective is often the moment when physics truly starts to make sense.
Following the practical work, students completed a lab report that guided them through the process of presenting scientific findings clearly and correctly. This step was just as important as the experiment itself. By organizing data, explaining methods, analyzing results, and reflecting on limitations, students strengthened their understanding of both the concept and the scientific process. For MYP students in particular, this experience brought them closer to mastering how to report scientifically an essential skill for their current studies and future academic work.
This laboratory was not just about free fall; it was about learning to observe the world with curiosity, ask questions, and communicate findings with clarity. It reminded students that physics is woven into everyday life and once you start noticing it, you see it everywhere.
