Fall: Engineer a small structure
Learning Activities
Warm-Up
Notice and Wonder: Look at an image of a simple engineered structure (e.g., a treehouse, doghouse, or small garden shed). Write down what you notice and what you wonder about its design. Discuss your thoughts with a partner, then share with the class. Focus on design elements and potential engineering challenges.
Direct Instruction
Engineering Design Process Overview: Learn about each step using a real-world example, such as designing a tiny house.
Identify the Problem: Need for a small, functional living space.
Research: Gather information on existing tiny house designs and materials.
Brainstorm Solutions: Generate multiple ideas and select the best one.
Create a Prototype: Build a small-scale model or simulation.
Test: Evaluate the prototype’s functionality and durability.
Evaluate: Assess test results and decide on modifications or redesign.
Classroom Activity: Apply these steps to design a tiny structure, such as a reading nook, dog kennel, or chicken coop.
Formulate the Problem Statement
Conduct Brief Research
Brainstorm Potential Designs
Sketch Proposed Solutions
Document each step and reflect on your design choices. Think about questions like, "How does your design address the needs of the users?" and "What are the environmental impacts of your materials and design?"
Guided Practice
Think, Pair, Share: Reflect on a specific aspect of your tiny structure design (e.g., material choice, user needs). Discuss with a partner, then share with the class. This helps articulate design choices and consider alternative perspectives.
Clarify, Critique, Correct Mathematical Writing: Calculate the structural requirements of your design. Write down your calculations, assumptions, and conclusions. Peer review each other’s work for clarity, feasibility, and correctness. This reinforces applying mathematical principles and improves technical communication skills.
Independent Practice
Develop a detailed design for your tiny structure:
Worksheet: Follow the steps of the engineering design process—problem identification, research, brainstorming, prototyping, testing, and evaluation. Document each step.
Technical Sketch: Use CAD software to draw your design, considering environmental impact and user needs.
Structural Calculations: Determine the structural integrity of your design and ensure it meets safety standards.
Testing Simulation: Assess functionality and durability of your design. Record outcomes and propose modifications based on findings.
Exit Ticket
Write a quick reflection on one challenging and one rewarding aspect of the engineering design process during today’s project work. Submit your reflections to gauge understanding and identify areas needing further emphasis.
Winter: A Christmas Present
Learning Activities
Warm-Up
Notice and Wonder: Look at an image of a unique or innovative Christmas present (e.g., a mechanical toy, custom gadget, or personalized item). Write down what you notice and what you wonder about its design. Discuss your thoughts with a partner, then share with the class. Focus on design elements and potential engineering challenges.
Direct Instruction
Engineering Design Process Overview: Learn about each step using a real-world example, such as designing a custom gadget.
Identify the Problem: Need for a unique and meaningful Christmas present.
Research: Gather information on existing products and materials.
Brainstorm Solutions: Generate multiple ideas and select the best one.
Create a Prototype: Build a small-scale model or simulation.
Test: Evaluate the prototype’s functionality and appeal.
Evaluate: Assess test results and decide on modifications or redesign.
Classroom Activity: Apply these steps to design a Christmas present, such as a personalized gadget, a mechanical toy, or a custom accessory.
Formulate the Problem Statement
Conduct Brief Research
Brainstorm Potential Designs
Sketch Proposed Solutions
Document each step and reflect on your design choices. Think about questions like, "How does your design cater to the recipient's interests?" and "What materials will ensure both durability and appeal?"
Guided Practice
Think, Pair, Share: Reflect on a specific aspect of your Christmas present design (e.g., material choice, functionality). Discuss with a partner, then share with the class. This helps articulate design choices and consider alternative perspectives.
Clarify, Critique, Correct Mathematical Writing: Calculate the dimensions and materials required for your design. Write down your calculations, assumptions, and conclusions. Peer review each other’s work for clarity, feasibility, and correctness. This reinforces applying mathematical principles and improves technical communication skills.
Independent Practice
Develop a detailed design for your Christmas present:
Worksheet: Follow the steps of the engineering design process—problem identification, research, brainstorming, prototyping, testing, and evaluation. Document each step.
Technical Sketch: Use CAD software to draw your design, considering the recipient's preferences and the present's functionality.
Materials and Calculations: Determine the materials needed and perform calculations to ensure the design is feasible and durable.
Testing Simulation: Assess functionality and appeal of your design. Record outcomes and propose modifications based on findings.
Exit Ticket
Write a quick reflection on one challenging and one rewarding aspect of the engineering design process during today’s project work. Submit your reflections to gauge understanding and identify areas needing further emphasis.
Spring: Engineering Water Filtration
Learning Activities
Warm-Up
Notice and Wonder: Look at an image of an innovative water filtration system. Write down what you notice and what you wonder about its design. Discuss your thoughts with a partner, then share with the class. Focus on design elements, potential engineering challenges, and how the product meets user needs.
Direct Instruction
Engineering Design Process Overview: Learn about each step using a real-world example of designing a water filtration system.
Identify the Problem: Need for clean and safe drinking water in a community.
Research: Gather detailed information on existing water filtration technologies and materials.
Brainstorm Solutions: Generate multiple innovative ideas and select the best one based on feasibility and effectiveness.
Create a Prototype: Build a detailed small-scale model or simulation, incorporating advanced filtration techniques.
Test: Conduct rigorous testing to evaluate the prototype’s functionality, safety, and efficiency.
Evaluate: Assess test results and decide on necessary modifications or redesign.
Classroom Activity: Apply these steps to design a water filtration system.
Formulate the Problem Statement
Conduct In-Depth Research
Brainstorm Innovative Designs
Sketch Detailed Proposed Solutions
Document each step and reflect on your design choices. Consider questions like, "How does your design ensure the removal of contaminants?" and "What materials and techniques can enhance the filtration efficiency?"
Guided Practice
Think, Pair, Share: Reflect on a specific aspect of your water filtration system design (e.g., material choice, filtration techniques). Discuss with a partner, then share with the class. This helps articulate design choices and consider alternative perspectives.
Clarify, Critique, Correct Mathematical Writing: Calculate the filtration capacity and efficiency of your design. Write down your calculations, assumptions, and conclusions. Peer review each other’s work for clarity, feasibility, and correctness. This reinforces applying advanced mathematical principles and improves technical communication skills.
Independent Practice
Develop a detailed design for your water filtration system:
Worksheet: Follow the steps of the engineering design process—problem identification, in-depth research, brainstorming, detailed prototyping, rigorous testing, and thorough evaluation. Document each step.
Technical Sketch: Use advanced CAD software to draw your design, considering environmental impact, user needs, and efficiency of filtration.
Technical Specifications and Calculations: Determine the technical specifications and material requirements, ensuring the design is feasible, safe, and efficient.
Rigorous Testing Simulation: Conduct comprehensive testing to assess functionality, efficiency, and durability. Record outcomes and propose detailed modifications based on findings.
Exit Ticket
Write a quick reflection on one challenging and one rewarding aspect of the engineering design process during today’s project work. Submit your reflections to gauge understanding and identify areas needing further emphasis.