First Day Agenda for Eleventh Grade Physics Class (85 minutes)

1. Welcome and Introduction (5 minutes)
   • Greet the students and introduce yourself as the physics teacher.
   • Share a brief background about your experience and passion for physics.
   • Explain the goals and expectations for the class.
2. Icebreaker Activity: “Physics Scavenger Hunt” (15 minutes)
   • Divide the students into small groups.
   • Provide each group with a list of physics-related items or concepts to find within the classroom or school.
   • Encourage students to work together, discuss their findings, and think critically about the physics principles behind each item.
   • After the allotted time, have each group share their findings and discuss the physics concepts involved.
3. Course Overview (10 minutes)
   • Present an overview of the course syllabus, including the topics to be covered throughout the year.
   • Discuss the importance of physics in everyday life and its relevance to various STEM fields.
   • Highlight any major projects, assessments, or field trips planned for the year.
4. STEM Challenge: “Egg Drop Challenge” (45 minutes)
   • Explain the challenge: Students must design and build a contraption that will protect a raw egg from breaking when dropped from a certain height.
   • Provide materials such as straws, tape, rubber bands, cotton balls, and various types of containers.
   • Allow students to work in small groups to brainstorm, design, and construct their egg protection devices.
   • Emphasize the importance of applying physics principles, such as force, momentum, and energy, to create a successful design.
   • After completion, each group will present their design, explain the physics concepts utilized, and test their contraption by dropping it from a predetermined height.
   • Discuss the results as a class, highlighting successful designs and analyzing the physics principles behind them.
5. Wrap-up and Reflection (10 minutes)
   • Conclude the class by summarizing the key concepts covered during the day.
   • Allow students to reflect on their experience with the scavenger hunt and egg drop challenge.
   • Encourage students to share their thoughts, questions, or concerns about the class or the upcoming year.
   • Provide any necessary reminders or assignments for the next class.

Note: The timings provided are approximate and can be adjusted based on the pace and engagement of the students.