In this lesson, students will ideate (brainstorm) ideas for their project, sketch …
In this lesson, students will ideate (brainstorm) ideas for their project, sketch their favorite ideas, and put together a rough budget for their project.
Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Robotics Kit, Tablet, Video Editing Software.
In this lesson, students will refer to their sketches and as they …
In this lesson, students will refer to their sketches and as they create prototypes for their RVR project. This lesson includes examples and tips for creating a prototype, but this is a great opportunity for students to be creative and dedicate a good amount of time making a RVR prototype that they are proud of.
Estimated time required: 4-5 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Robotics Kit, Tablet, Video Editing Software.
In this lesson, students will arrange a time to meet with their …
In this lesson, students will arrange a time to meet with their end-user (in person or virtually) to show them their 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.
Estimated time required: 2-3 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Robotics Kit, Tablet, Video Editing Software.
In this lesson, students will finish their project, create a pitch video …
In this lesson, students will finish their 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.
Estimated time required: 3-4 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Robotics Kit, Tablet, Video Editing Software.
In this lesson, students will learn how to create more advanced robotics …
In this lesson, students will learn how to create more advanced robotics by controlling the Sphero RVR with the micro:bit. Students will learn about sensors in robotics and explore the temperature sensor function of the micro:bit. They will learn how to add the RVR SDK extension to the micro:bit MakeCode programming environment.
Estimated time required: 2-3 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Robotics Kit, Tablet.
In this lesson, students will learn how to use the RVR + …
In this lesson, students will learn how to use the RVR + littleBits to build a robotic aquatic creature that moves and makes noise! First, you'll think about real life aquatic animals that the New Horizon might have encountered, then you'll plan, design, build and program a RVR with littleBits sensors and actuators to simulate this animal's sound, movement and behaviors.
Estimated time required: 2-3 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Robotics Kit, Tablet.
In “Plastic, Ahoy!” the New Horizon had to navigate the Great Pacific …
In “Plastic, Ahoy!” the New Horizon had to navigate the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in the North Pacific Central Gyre. The gyre is filled with plastic, debris, and lots of sea creatures! In this lesson, students will learn how to use the RVR + littleBits + micro:bit to build a Gyre Navigator Bot that can detect and avoid obstacles!
Estimated time required: 2-3 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Robotics Kit, Tablet.
In this lesson, students will build on all the hardware and software …
In this lesson, students will build on all the hardware and software they have used so far and take a deeper look at one specific component known as the servo motor. Students will build and test a Sample Label Bot using RVR, the littleBits servo and a micro:bit that can help the New Horizon researchers by labeling their water samples from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
Estimated time required: 2-3 class periods.
Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Robotics Kit, Tablet.
Our brains control every movement we make. Most of us take for …
Our brains control every movement we make. Most of us take for granted our ability to pick up a cup or change the television station. However, for people who have lost a limb or become paralyzed, the inability to do these things means a loss of freedom and independence. This video segment from Greater Boston describes how neuroscientists and bioengineers have teamed up to create a system that allows people who have lost motor functions to control electronic devices through their thoughts alone. Grades 6-12
In this lesson, students learn about work as defined by physical science …
In this lesson, students learn about work as defined by physical science and see that work is made easier through the use of simple machines. Already encountering simple machines everyday, students will be alerted to their widespread uses in everyday life. This lesson serves as the starting point for the Simple Machines Unit.
In this unit, students learn about the form and function of the …
In this unit, students learn about the form and function of the human heart through lecture, research and dissection. Following the steps of the Legacy Cycle, students brainstorm, research, design and present viable solutions to various heart conditions as presented through a unit challenge. Additionally, students study how heart valves work and investigate how faulty valves can be replaced with new ones through advancements in engineering and technology. This unit demonstrates to students how and why the heart is such a powerful organ in our bodies
Do you need proof that driving is a dangerous activity? More Americans …
Do you need proof that driving is a dangerous activity? More Americans have died in car crashes over the past 100 years than in all the wars the U.S. has ever fought combined. More than 40,000 Americans die each year on the nation's highways, most as the result of high-speed collisions. In this video segment adapted from NOVA, learn how engineers developed the air bag, an important automobile-safety device now found in most cars. Recommended for: Grades 3-12
Students are introduced to measuring and identifying sources of air pollution, as …
Students are introduced to measuring and identifying sources of air pollution, as well as how environmental engineers try to control and limit the amount of air pollution. In Part 1, students are introduced to nitrogen dioxide as an air pollutant and how it is quantified. Major sources are identified, using EPA bar graphs. Students identify major cities and determine their latitudes and longitudes. They estimate NO2 values from color maps showing monthly NO2 averages from two sources: a NASA satellite and the WSU forecast model AIRPACT. In Part 2, students continue to estimate NO2 values from color maps and use Excel to calculate differences and ratios to determine the model's performance. They gain experience working with very large numbers written in scientific notation, as well as spreadsheet application capabilities.
In this video segment adapted from ZOOM, cast members make their own …
In this video segment adapted from ZOOM, cast members make their own hovercraft and demonstrate how the air leaking out of a balloon can make a plastic plate hover above a table.
Air pressure is pushing on us all the time although we do …
Air pressure is pushing on us all the time although we do not usually notice it. In this activity, students learn about the units of pressure and get a sense of just how much air pressure is pushing on them.
Students are introduced to air masses, with an emphasis on the differences …
Students are introduced to air masses, with an emphasis on the differences between and characteristics of high- versus low-pressure air systems. Students also hear about weather forecasting instrumentation and how engineers work to improve these instruments for atmospheric measurements on Earth and in space.
Students learn what causes air pollution and how to investigate the different …
Students learn what causes air pollution and how to investigate the different pollutants that exist, such as toxic gases and particulate matter. They investigate the technologies developed by engineers to reduce air pollution.
Students are introduced to biofuels, biological engineers, algae and how they grow …
Students are introduced to biofuels, biological engineers, algae and how they grow (photosynthesis), and what parts of algae can be used for biofuel (biomass from oils, starches, cell wall sugars). Through this lesson, plants—and specifically algae—are presented as an energy solution. Students learn that breaking apart algal cell walls enables access to oil, starch, and cell wall sugars for biofuel production. Students compare/contrast biofuels and fossil fuels. They learn about the field of biological engineering, including what biological engineers do. A 20-slide PowerPoint® presentation is provided that supports students taking notes in the Cornell format. Short pre- and post-quizzes are provided. This lesson prepares students to conduct the associated activity in which they make and then eat edible algal cell models.
Students learn about the differences between types of water (surface and ground), …
Students learn about the differences between types of water (surface and ground), as well as the differences between streams, rivers and lakes. Then, they learn about dissolved organic matter (DOM), and the role it plays in identifying drinking water sources. Finally, students are introduced to conventional drinking water treatment processes.
Commercial fishing nets often trap "unprofitable" animals in the process of catching …
Commercial fishing nets often trap "unprofitable" animals in the process of catching target species. In this activity, students experience the difficulty that fishermen experience while trying to isolate a target species when a variety of sea animals are found in the area of interest. Then the class discusses the large magnitude of this problem. Students practice data acquisition and analysis skills by collecting data and processing it to deduce trends on target species distribution. They conclude by discussing how bycatch impacts their lives and whether or not it is an important environmental issue that needs attention. As an extension, students use their creativity and innovative skills to design nets or other methods, theoretically and/or through hands-on prototyping, that fisherman could use to help avoid bycatch.
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