Partnerships Implementing Engineering Education Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester Public Schools

Transcription

1 Partnerships Implementing Engineering Education Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester Public Schools Supported by: National Science Foundation Introduction to Science and Engineering: 4.A.5 Build a Paper Bridge Grade Level 4 Sessions Seasonality Instructional Mode(s) Team Size WPS Benchmarks MA Frameworks Key Words minutes N/A Lecture, Large group; Activity, Small teams 2 students per group 04.SC.IS SC.IS SC.IS SC.TE SC.TE IS IS IS TE TE.2.3 Paper Bridge, Paper Structure, Engineering Design Process Summary The students will have the opportunity to practice the engineering design process by solving a design problem. The students will be reminded of the Engineering Design Process and given the challenge to create a bridge that will support 60 pennies across a 14 centimeter gap. Learning Objectives 2002 Worcester Public Schools (WPS) Benchmarks for Grade 4 04.SC.IS.01 Ask questions and make predictions that can be tested. 04.SC.IS.04 Conduct multiple trials to test a prediction. Compare the results of an investigation or experiment with the prediction. 04.SC.IS.06 Record data and communicate findings to others using graphs, charts, maps, models, and oral and written reports. 04.SC.TE.06 Identify relevant design features (e.g., size, shape, weight) for building a prototype of a solution to a given problem. 04.SC.TE.08 Apply the metric system in design projects and experiments. Additional Learning Objectives IS.1 Ask questions and make predictions that can be tested

2 Partnerships Implementing Engineering Education Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester Public Schools Supported by: National Science Foundation IS.4 Conduct multiple trials to test a prediction. Compare the results of an investigation or experiment with the prediction IS.6 Record data and communicate findings to others using graphs, charts, maps, models, and oral and written reports TE.2.2 Describe different ways a problem can be represented, e.g., sketches, diagrams, graphic organizers, and lists TE.2.3 Identify relevant design features (e.g., size, shape, weight) for building a prototype of a solution to a given problem. Required Background Knowledge None Essential Questions 1. How can we use weak materials to create a strong structure? 2. Why is brainstorming important part of engineering design? 3. Why are prototypes important? Introduction / Motivation Ask the students to guess to see how many pennies they think the piece of paper will hold. Take suggestions from the class, then set the piece of paper on two stacks of books that are approximately 6 inches apart and drop one penny at a time in the center until the paper falls. The teacher can then redesign the structure by positioning the book closer together (approximately 4 inches apart). Procedure The instructor will: 1.) Introduction Activity 2.) Split the students up into groups and give them the challenge. Create a bridge from one piece of paper that will hold 60 pennies. The bridge must be placed on top of two stacks of books that are 15 centimeters apart. Before passing materials out to the students, pass out the first design worksheet. 3.) After the students have drawn their designs and chosen one to build a prototype of, pass out the materials and the second page of the design worksheet

3 Partnerships Implementing Engineering Education Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester Public Schools Supported by: National Science Foundation Ask the students to share their observations. a. Did anyone notice where their bridges broke or bent? b. Did anyone notice that if you put the pennies on in a certain way the bridge didn t break as quickly? c. Do you think engineers test their bridge designs like this before building the bridges that people walk and drive on? 4.) After the activity is over have each group fill out the Engineering Design Process Assessment worksheet. 5.) As a homework assignment, have the students write about the activity in their journals or science notebooks. Have them write Paper Bridge as the title and write the following words as a beginning: I learned. Materials List Materials per group Amount Location Pennies 60 Bank Metric ruler One Supermarket or Office Supply Store Books 4-6 Supermarket or Office Supply Store Paper 1 Supermarket or Office Supply Store Paperclips 5 Supermarket or Office Supply Store Scissors 1 Supermarket or Office Supply Store Vocabulary with Definitions (in alphabetical order) 1. Brainstorm a problem solving technique where all ideas and possible solutions are recorded and considered. 2. Engineering Design Process Eight step process used to solve an engineering problem. The steps are as follows: Identify the need or problem, Research the need or problem, Develop possible solution(s), Select the best possible solution(s), Construct a prototype, Test and evaluate the solution(s), Communicate the solution(s), Redesign. 3. Material Properties The physical properties of a material such as the hardness, density, stiffness, color, texture, weight,etc

4 Assessment / Evaluation of Students Partnerships Implementing Engineering Education Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester Public Schools Supported by: National Science Foundation The instructor may assess the students in any/all of the following manners: 1. Engineering Design Process Handout Handout asks the students to explain each of the engineering design process steps. 2. Engineering Design Process records the students thoughts and ideas throughout each step of the process. 3. Journal / Science Notebook Entry students will start the passage with the words, I learned. This will given us an idea of what the students took away from the activity. Lesson Extensions 1. Ask the students to redesign their bridge to hold 40 more pennies. Is it possible? 2. What if you use two sheets or paper? 3. Ask the students about how the location of their bridge would affect the materials they choose. What about underwater bridges? What is this bridge was a prototype for cars traveling over it? How would you change the design? Attachments 1. Engineering Design Process Worksheet 2. Engineering Design Process Troubleshooting Tips If the students have having trouble coming up with ideas mention examples such as: rolling it into a tube, crinkling it, making a boat type shape, weaving it together. Safety Issues None Additional Resources None Key Words Paper Bridge, Paper Structure, Engineering Design Process - 4 -

5 Additional Information for Educators Step 1 Identify the Need Step 8 Redesign Step 2 Research the Need or Problem Step 7 Communicate the Solution(s) Step 3 Develop Possible Solution(s) Step 6 Test and Evaluate Step 4 Select the Best Possible Solution(s) Step 5 Construct a Prototype Step 1. Identify the need or problem. Step 2. Research the need problem Examine current state of the issue and current solutions. Explore other options via the internet, library, interviews, etc. Step 3. Develop possible solution(s) Brainstorm possible solutions Draw on mathematics and science Articulate the possible solutions in two and three dimensions Refine the possible solution(s) Step 4. Select the best possible solution(s) Determine which solution(s) best meet(s) the original requirements Step 5. Construct a prototype Model the selected solution(s) in two and three dimensions. Step 6. Test and evaluate the solution(s) Does it work? Does it meet the original design constraints? Step 7. Communicate the solution(s) Make an engineering presentation that includes a discussion of how the solution(s) best meet(s) the needs of the initial problem, opportunity, or need Discuss societal impact and tradeoffs of the solution(s) Step 8. Redesign Overhaul the solution(s) based on information gathered during the tests and presentati Taken from the Massachusetts Science and Technology / Engineering Curriculum Frameworks, p 73

6 Name: Date: Engineering Design Process Worksheet 1. Problem 8. Redesign 2. Research 7. Communicate 3. Brainstorm 6. Test. 4. Select 5. Prototype Explain each of the steps of the Engineering Design Process below (you can use the back of the paper too)

7 Name: Date: Engineering Design Process Step 1: Identify the need or problem What does the assignment ask? Step 2: Research the need or problem Use the internet, library, or ask an engineer for information. Write your questions here: Step 3: Brainstorm Draw three different possible solutions below (you can use the back of the paper too): Step 4: Select the best possible solution Circle the solution in Step 3 that your team selected. Why did you select that solution? *** Raise your hand for the teacher to see your chosen design and give you supplies before building your prototype. ***

8 Name: Date: Step 5: Construct a prototype Engineering Design Process (page 2) Draw and label a picture of what your prototype looks like. Step 6: Test and evaluate the solution Did your prototype hold the pennies? (circle one) YES NO Can you make the prototype better? (circle one) YES NO Step 7: Communicate the solution What happened when you tested your prototype? Step 8: Redesign Draw pictures of your new and improved design ideas (you can use the back of the paper too).