"Inventing the Future: Design Your Own Communication Device"
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
2-3 Class Periods
Understand the Evolution of Communication Technology: Brief history from letters to smartphones.
Identify Current Communication Needs and Challenges: Discuss how people communicate today and what limitations exist.
Creative Thinking and Innovation: Encourage students to think outside the box about the future of communication.
Design and Presentation Skills: Students will design their own device and present it to the class.
Paper and pencils for sketching
Colored pencils, markers, or paint
Recycled materials for model-making (optional)
Computers or tablets for research (optional)
Day 1: Introduction and Research
Introduction (15 min): Briefly discuss the history of communication devices.
Group Discussion (20 min): In groups, students discuss current communication methods and challenges.
Research (20 min): Students can use computers/tablets to research existing technologies for inspiration.
Day 2: Design Phase
Idea Generation (20 min): Students brainstorm ideas for their future device.
Sketching (20 min): Students sketch their device, focusing on both functionality and design.
Peer Review (15 min): Students share their sketches with peers for feedback and improvement ideas.
Day 3: Finalization and Presentation
Model Building (30 min): Students create a physical model of their device using available materials.
Presentation Prep (15 min): Prepare a short presentation about their device, its features, and its benefits.
Class Presentations (Remaining Time): Each student presents their device to the class.
Design Creativity: How innovative and unique is the device?
Functionality: Does the device address a current communication challenge?
Presentation Skills: Clarity and persuasiveness of the presentation.
Peer Feedback Incorporation: How well did the student incorporate feedback into their final design?
Write a Future Diary Entry: Students write a diary entry from the future, describing how their device has changed everyday life.
Debate: Hold a class debate on the impact of advanced communication technologies on society.
This lesson plan encourages creativity, critical thinking, and practical skills like design and presentation, all essential for students' overall development.