The fundamental concepts in physics often pose major challenges to students' preformed notions of how the world works, and as such require approaches that require them to confront these notions head on. Given that much of high school physics involves the study of force and motion, ideas that students can experience daily and have a wealth of personal knowledge to draw upon already, classroom projects can be built around creating discrepant events that challenge students to think about what they are experiencing in a new way.

ReWalk-

The ReWalk is a new technology thatscientists from Argo medical Technologies have been researching for the pastcouple of years. This new piece of technology will open up many doors to peoplewho are disabled (people in wheelchair, etc). This technology is an exoskeletonmotorized leg support powered by a rechargeable battery pack carried inside thebackpack that is strapped the user’s back. The ReWalk relies mostly on thecomputer inside the backpack. This technology is lightweight and uses intricatemotion sensors to help the paralyzed walk.

Links:
BBC’s article - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7796215.stm
Gym’s Website - http://thegreenmicrogym.com/index.php?itemid=82

This article is all about a new gym in Portland, Oregon where it’s mission is to be totally carbon neutral. The question the researchers and the business owner is trying to answer is how can you power a gym using human energy while still have all the high tech equipment and get a good workout and yet have it be cost effective.

The gym owner has teamed up with a company in Texas to test the best way to harness the energy. They then applied the battery hookups to gym equipment at the Green Microgym in Portland, Oregon to test out if the idea of a green gym would work.

Link to article(s):
1.    http://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2008/1113/1
2.    http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081113151456.htm
    
Since the 1980’s astronomers have been exploring the idea that there may be planets orbiting other stars out in space. Finally, they are convinced that they have spotted exoplanets, or planets that orbits stars outside the solar system.