In this video produced for Teachers' Domain, Chi-An Wang, a mechanical engineering graduate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, describes her process when working with New Balance to design a new triathlon shoe.
In this video produced for Teachers' Domain, Chi-An Wang, a mechanical engineering graduate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, describes her process when working with New Balance to design a new triathlon shoe.
To gain an understanding of mixtures and the concept of separation of mixtures, students use strong magnets to find the element of iron in iron-fortified breakfast cereal flakes. Through this activity, they see how the iron component of this heterogeneous mixture (cereal) retains its properties and can thus be separated by physical means.
In this video from Science City, meet Eduardo Torres-Jara, a postdoctoral associate in electrical engineering and computer science at the MIT Artificial Intelligence Lab. He describes his work on innovative robots that use tactile feedback to locate and grasp objects.
This article discusses the role of effort and praise in student motivation and achievement.
During the lesson, students will learn the basics of electricity and circuits and build their first circuit using Snap Circuits. If students do not have access to Snap Circuits, this lesson can be completed using anything that provides students the ability to connect the following components: Power source ( 9V battery); Conductive material (wires, aluminum foil, paper clips, etc.); An “output” device for the electricity (flashlight lightbulb or holiday light); A switch (two metal thumbtacks and a paper clip, aluminum foil and a paper clip, etc.).
Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.
During the lesson, students will learn about series and parallel circuits and how they are used for different purposes. If students do not have access to Snap Circuits, this lesson can be completed using safe household materials that provide students the ability to connect the following components: Power source ( 9V battery); Conductive material (wires, aluminum foil, paper clips, etc.); An “output” device for the electricity (flashlight lightbulb or holiday light); A switch (two metal thumbtacks and a paper clip, aluminum foil and a paper clip, etc.).
Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.
During the lesson, students will learn about slightly more advanced circuitry concepts such resistance, motors, and LED’s. They will conclude the lesson by creating the wiring for a helicopter. Note: See Additional Resources in this lesson's Facilitator Guide for ideas to complete this lesson with common household items. While the circuits may not be identical, students will still be able to understand the basic concepts of a circuit.
Estimated time required: 2-3 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.
During the lesson, students will learn about speakers and integrated circuits. Note: See Additional Resources in this lesson's Facilitator Guide for ideas to complete this lesson with common household items.
Estimated time required: 2-3 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.
In this animation produced by WGBH and Digizyme, Inc., see how molecules of DNA are separated using gel electrophoresis, and how this process enables scientists to compare the molecular variations of two or more DNA samples.
Students gain a better understanding of the different types of materials as pure substances and mixtures and learn to distinguish between homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures by discussing an assortment of example materials they use and encounter in their daily lives.
This unit provides the framework for conducting an “engineering design field day” that combines 6 hands-on engineering activities into a culminating school (or multi-school) competition. The activities are a mix of design and problem-solving projects inspired by real-world engineering challenges: kite making, sail cars, tall towers, strong towers and a ball and tools obstacle course. The assortment of events engage children who have varied interests and cover a range of disciplines such as aerospace, mechanical and civil engineering. An optional math test—for each of grades 1-6—is provided as an alternative activity to incorporate into the field day event. Of course, the 6 activities in this unit also are suitable to conduct as standalone activities that are unaffiliated with a big event.
Students will use critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills to create an emoji. The Vectr graphics software used in this activity helps students develop a STEM mindset. It is important to allow students to work through the process as independently as possible with the facilitator acting only as a guide.
Estimated time required: 1 class period.
Technology required for this lesson: Design Software, Laptop/Desktop.
This video explores Dale Creek Gorge which was an obstacle for railroad construction. The graters had to cut through granite to build a bridge to cross the canyon. The bridge was considered an engineering marvel but caused safety concerns for those crossing it. Included are links to the full documentary and discussion questions to be used in the classroom. [2:58]
Watch students as they conduct an energy audit on a home and gain hands-on experience for a career in the green energy industry, in this video adapted from ATETV.
Spreadsheets across the Curriculum module. Students build spreadsheets that allow them to calculate the different values needed to examine energy flow through agroecosystems.
The students participate in many demonstrations during the first day of this lesson to learn basic concepts related to the forms and states of energy. This knowledge is then applied the second day as they assess various everyday objects to determine what forms of energy are transformed to accomplish the object's intended task. The students use block diagrams to illustrate the form and state of energy flowing into and out of the process.
This issue of the free online magazine, Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears, explores the Sun's role in warming Earth, the albedo (reflectivity) of Earth's diverse surfaces, and how the decline of Arctic sea ice is affecting Earth's energy balance. Science lessons introduce the concepts of solar energy, reflection, and absorption to elementary students. The issue also includes an overview of the natural resources and energy sources found in the polar regions as well as lessons that allow students to develop the concepts of natural resources, energy sources, and energy efficiency.
This article assembles free resources from the Energy and the Polar Environment issue of the Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears cyberzine into a unit outline based on the 5E learning cycle framework. Outlines are provided for Grades K-2 and 3-5.
This article highlights children's literature about light, heat, and energy sources for use in the elementary classroom.