Students conduct an experiment to determine how varying the composition of a …
Students conduct an experiment to determine how varying the composition of a construction material affects its strength. They make several adobe bricks with differing percentages of sand, soil, fibrous material and water. They test the bricks for strength by dropping them onto a concrete surface from progressively greater heights. Students graph the experiment results and use what they learn to design their own special mix that maximizes the bricks' strength. During the course of the experiment, students learn about variables (independent, dependent, control) and the steps of the engineering design process.
The lesson begins by introducing Olympics as the unit theme. The purpose …
The lesson begins by introducing Olympics as the unit theme. The purpose of this lesson is to introduce students to the techniques of engineering problem solving. Specific techniques covered in the lesson include brainstorming and the engineering design process. The importance of thinking out of the box is also stressed to show that while some tasks seem impossible, they can be done. This introduction includes a discussion of the engineering required to build grand, often complex, Olympic event centers.
The Cupcake Color Wheel activity provides a meaningful, memorable way for students …
The Cupcake Color Wheel activity provides a meaningful, memorable way for students to study Color Theory. Used in my Practical and Applied Arts 10- Survey class, it is part of the Interior Design module. Through this activity, students learn color terminology, mixing colors, and gain knowledge and understanding in the concepts of complementary colors, values, and chroma. If this activity is completed as part of a Food Studies class, it provides students an opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in the kitchen basics, and in the preparation of cakes and frostings.
Student groups are challenged to create food packages for specific foods. They …
Student groups are challenged to create food packages for specific foods. They focus on three components in the design of their food packages; the packages must keep the food clean, protect or aid in the physical and chemical changes that can take place in the food, and present the food appealingly. They design their packaging to meet these requirements.
The difference between an architect and an engineer is sometimes confusing because …
The difference between an architect and an engineer is sometimes confusing because their roles in building design can be similar. Students experience a bit of both professions by following a set of requirements and meeting given constraints as they create a model parking garage. They experience the engineering design process first-hand as they design, build and test their models. They draw a blueprint for their design, select the construction materials and budget their expenditures. They also test their structures for strength and find their maximum loads.
Students learn about population density within environments and ecosystems. They determine the …
Students learn about population density within environments and ecosystems. They determine the density of a population and think about why population density and distribution information is useful to engineers for city planning and design as well as for resource allocation.
Students continue to explore the story of building a pyramid, learning about …
Students continue to explore the story of building a pyramid, learning about the simple machine called a pulley. They learn how a pulley can be used to change the direction of applied forces and move/lift extremely heavy objects, and the powerful mechanical advantages of using a multiple-pulley system. Students perform a simple demonstration to see the mechanical advantage of using a pulley, and they identify modern day engineering applications of pulleys. In a hands-on activity, they see how a pulley can change the direction of a force, the difference between fixed and movable pulleys, and the mechanical advantage gained with multiple / combined pulleys. They also learn the many ways engineers use pulleys for everyday purposes.
This is a crash course for Middle and High School students on …
This is a crash course for Middle and High School students on Project Management. It is designed to be used in conjunction with a project they are working on in school.
Working individually or in pairs, students compete to design, create, test and …
Working individually or in pairs, students compete to design, create, test and redesign free-standing, weight-bearing towers using Kapla(TM) wooden blocks. The challenge is to build the tallest tower while meeting the design criteria and minimizing the amount of material used all within a time limit. Students experiment with different geometric shapes used in structural designs and determine how design choices affect the height and strength of structures, becoming comfortable with the concepts of structural members and modeling.
Student teams assign importance factors, called "desirability points," the rock properties found …
Student teams assign importance factors, called "desirability points," the rock properties found in the previous lesson/activity in order to mathematically determine the overall best rocks for building caverns within. They learn the real-world connections and relationships between the rock and the important engineering properties for designing and building caverns (or tunnels, mines, building foundations, etc.).
Students explore whether rooftop gardens are a viable option for combating the …
Students explore whether rooftop gardens are a viable option for combating the urban heat island effect. Can rooftop gardens reduce the temperature inside and outside houses? Teams each design and construct two model buildings using foam core board, one with a "green roof" and the other with a black tar paper roof. They measure and graph the ambient and inside building temperatures while under heat lamps and fans. Then students analyze the data and determine whether the rooftop gardens are beneficial to the inhabitants.
Rube Goldberg machines are a fun and innovative way to integrate 21st …
Rube Goldberg machines are a fun and innovative way to integrate 21st century skills into your math, science, STEM or design learning class. Rube Goldberg machines involve using a series of complex steps to do a simple task. Students first begin reflecting on what 21st century skills they will need to pull this activity off. Then they must make an effective plan as a group before they are able to gather their materials and build. The plan can (and likely should!) change as they work and that is fine. Students should reflect on their 21st century skills daily to give them an opportunity to regroup and refocus as needed. This is really a fun and valuable activity! This version was done a 7/8 Math class. Image Details Source: www.pxleyes.com Title : rube goldberg photoshop contest (4530), pictures page 1 – pxleyes Dimension : 1500 x 1230 File Type : JPG/JPEG
This art history video discussion looks at Saint Peter's Basilica and the …
This art history video discussion looks at Saint Peter's Basilica and the numerous architects (see below) who contributed to Saint Peter's Basilica (Basilica Sancti Petri in Latin), begun 1506 completed 1626, Vatican City. Architectural contributors include: Donato Bramante who's design won Julius II's competition; Antonio da Sangallo, a student of Bramante, designed the Pauline Chapel; Fra Giocondo strengthened the foundation; Raphael worked with Fra Giocondo, his redesigned building plan was not executed; Michelangelo designed the dome, crossing, and exterior excluding the nave and facade; Giacomo della Porta, designed the cupola; Carlo Maderno, extended Michelangelo's plan adding a nave and grand facade; Gian Lorenzo Bernini added the piazza, the Cathedra Petri, and the Baldacchino.
This unit describes a general approach to guiding students to complete service-based …
This unit describes a general approach to guiding students to complete service-based engineering design projects, with specific examples provided in detail as associated activities. With your class, brainstorm ideas for engineering designs that benefit your community or a specific person in your community. Then, guided by the steps of the engineering design process, have students research to understand background science and math, meet their client to understand the problem, and create, test and improve prototype devices. Note that service-based projects often take more time to prepare, especially if you arrange for a real client. However, the authors notice that students of both genders and all ethnicities tend to respond with more enthusiasm and interest to altruistic projects.
Students are introduced to the concepts of graywater and water reuse within …
Students are introduced to the concepts of graywater and water reuse within households. They calculate the amount of used water a family generates in one day and use a model of home plumbing to find out how much graywater is produced in homes every day. They graph their results and discuss energy efficiency implications. Students are then challenged to find ways to reduce water use within the home.
Students learn about how engineers design and build shake tables to test …
Students learn about how engineers design and build shake tables to test the ability of buildings to withstand the various types of seismic waves generated by earthquakes. Just like engineers, students design and build shake tables to test their own model buildings made of toothpicks and mini marshmallows. Once students are satisfied with the performance of their buildings, they put them through a one-minute simulated earthquake challenge.
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