In this video from Science City, Shaundra Bryant Daily, an electrical engineer, describes a software program she developed to help girls reflect on their emotions, and how her two passionsí_í_íŹscience and danceí_í_íŹare connected.
In this video from Science City, Shaundra Bryant Daily, an electrical engineer, describes a software program she developed to help girls reflect on their emotions, and how her two passions: science and dance, are connected.
This article, written for students in grades 4-5, introduces the concept of albedo and describes the shrinking of Arctic sea ice. Modified versions are available for students in younger grades.
Students learn about the major factors that comprise the design and construction cost of a modern bridge. Before a bridge design is completed, engineers provide overall cost estimates for construction of the bridge. Students learn about the components that go into estimating the total cost, including expenses for site investigation, design, materials, equipment, labor and construction oversight, as well as the trade-off between a design and its cost.
Students build and use a very basic Coulter electric sensing zone particle counter to count an unknown number of particles in a sample of "paint" to determine if enough particles per ml of "paint" exist to meet a quality standard. In a lab experiment, student teams each build an apparatus and circuit, set up data acquisition equipment, make a salt-soap solution, test liquid flow in the apparatus, take data, and make graphs to count particles.
Students apply the mechanical advantages and problem-solving capabilities of six types of simple machines (wedge, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, screw, pulley) as they discuss modern structures in the spirit of the engineers and builders of the great pyramids. While learning the steps of the engineering design process, students practice teamwork, creativity and problem solving.
Amy Smith is an engineer who designs simple and inexpensive solutions to real-world problems. This video produced for Teachers' Domain features her innovative design for testing the safety of drinking water in the developing world.
Through this unit, written for an honors anatomy and physiology class, students become familiar with the human skeletal system and answer the Challenge Question: When you get home from school, your mother grabs you, and you race to the hospital. Your grandmother fell and was rushed to the emergency room. The doctor tells your family your grandmother has a fractured hip, and she is referring her to an orthopedic specialist. The orthopedic doctor decides to perform a DEXA scan. The result show her BMD is -3.3. What would be a probable diagnosis to her condition? What are some possible causes of her condition? Should her daughter and granddaughter be worried about this condition, and if so, what are measures they could take to prevent this from happening to them?
Students will learn about bone structure, bone development and growth, and bone functions. Later, students will apply this understanding to answer the Challenge Question presented in the "Fix the Hip" lesson and use the acquired learning to construct an informative brochure about osteoporosis and biomedical engineering contributions to this field.
In this video segment adapted from NOVA scienceNOW, learn about engineering innovations that could help detect a bridge's structural weaknesses before they become dangerous.
This is an applied project where your students will choose from three different project options, then use the design thinking process to create a project that solves their user’s problem. In Lesson 1, each student will read all three project overviews. Then, they will choose the project they want to work on for the remaining lessons in the project!
Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet, Video Editing Software.
In this lesson, students will find a real person in their community to act as their “end-user.” Students will contact this person by phone or email to set up a time for an interview. Students will interview their end-user and record their responses. If possible, students can even observe their end-user in action! The interview responses will be used to create an empathy map and develop a problem statement for this project. Remember that students should only work on the project they selected (a student that chose project 3A will only use the presentation and worksheet for 3A).
Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet, Video Editing Software.
In this lesson, students will ideate (brainstorm) ideas for their project, sketch their favorite ideas, and put together a rough budget for their project. Remember that students should only work on the project they selected (a student that chose project 3B will only use the presentation and worksheet for 3B).
Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet, Video Editing Software.
In this lesson, students will refer to their sketches and budget as they create prototypes for their project with Micro:bits. This lesson includes examples and tips for creating a prototype with Micro:bits, but this is a great opportunity for students to be creative and dedicate a good amount of time making a polished Micro:bit experience. Remember that students should only work on the project they selected (a student that chose project 3B will only use the presentation and worksheet for 3B).
Estimated time required: 3-4 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet, Video Editing Software.
In this lesson, students will arrange a time to meet with their end-user (in person or virtually) to show them their Micro:bits prototype. The end-user will interact with the prototype, and the student will capture their feedback in the activity worksheet. Finally, students will take the feedback and use it to improve their prototype. Remember that students should only work on the project they selected (a student that chose project 3B will only use the presentation and worksheet for 3B).
Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet, Video Editing Software.
In this lesson, students will finish their Micro:bits project, create a pitch video for their project, share their project with their peers, give/receive feedback on each other’s projects, export and submit their designs, and answer a series of reflection questions. Note: the content for 3A, 3B, and 3C are almost identical in this section. This is a great chance for students to teach each other about their specific project choice and user!
Estimated time required: 3-4 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet, Video Editing Software.
Students become familiar with the concept of a communication system, its various parts and functions. To do this, they encode, decode, transmit, receive and store messages for a hypothetical rescue mission, using a code sheet and flashlight for this process.They also maintain storage sheets from which they can retrieve information as it is required.
In this lesson, students will solve a design challenge by completing the activity “Ready, Set, Design!” Then, students will define the steps of the design thinking process.
Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.
This is an applied project where your students will choose from three different project options, then use the design thinking process to create a Snap Circuits project that solves their user’s problem. In Lesson 1, each student will read all three project overviews. Then, they will choose the project they want to work on for the remaining lessons in the project!
Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.
In this lesson, students will learn more about their user and complete the first two steps in the Design Thinking process: Empathize and Define. They will watch pre-recorded video interviews to learn about the wants and needs of their user! Students should only work on the materiel that corresponds to their project choice. For example: if a student chose Project 1A, they would only work on the Project 1A content.
Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.