What a Wreck!
I can use Newton’s Laws of Motion to support or reject a hypothesis of an accident.
Actuary science is a field of applied mathematics that studies the likelihood of events occurring. Actuaries (professionals who practice actuary science) are experts in managing and measuring risks, and many different fields need actuaries for different types of problems. Some of the problems or roles they may fill include helping car insurance companies decide how much to charge or helping various companies establish retirement plans. Overall, they collect and analyze data for a variety of settings.
In this assessment, you are an actuary serving as a consultant for a car accident. There are two versions of events, and using Newton’s Laws, you must support or reject the versions of events. Your classroom labs, discussions, and readings will serve as the evidence you can use to support or refute claims.
To have a complete assessment, you must have a model of events and a written explanation of events. Take time to review the rubric before and after writing the versions of events to fully understand how you will be assessed and what must be included in your explanation. Answer the reflection questions and justify the grade you would give yourself.
Driver #1’s version of events:
“Thursday afternoon at approximately 3:30 p.m. I was patiently waiting at a red light. Before the light turned red, the other driver came and hit my truck. I hadn’t even moved forward yet! After I was hit by the other car, my truck stopped moving immediately.”
Injuries: The driver has a severe bruise from the impact and was wearing a seat belt.
Vehicle: 2023 Ford F-150 Super Duty Truck
Damage to vehicle: Severe back damage to the back portion of the vehicle.
Driver 2’s version of events:
“On Thursday afternoon, I was in a car accident right after the local school let out for the day at 3:30 p.m. I had just left the school zone, and the posted speed limit is 15 mph. I know I did not go over that because at the time, several students were walking and biking home. I saw the red light and had begun to slow down when the truck in front of me braked suddenly, causing me to hit it. “
Injuries: None
Vehicle: 2023 Mazda 2
Damage to vehicle: Slight damage to the front of the car. Hood is crumpled. 
Question: Using Newton’s Laws and the labs you completed in class, support and/or reject each of the claims made by the drivers.
Constructing a Scientific Argument
Decide which claim you think is best supported by the evidence and scientific reasoning. Using the criteria below and the information provided, write a scientific argument that includes:
The scientific question
Your claim (that is best supported by evidence and reasoning)
Relevant evidence that supports your claim
Scientific reasoning that critiques the evidence and evaluates your claim