How can we create a pinball machine for our class?
Students take on the role of pinball engineers as they investigate the effects of forces on the motion of an object. They test their own prototypes (models) of a pinball machine and use what they learn to contribute to the design of a class pinball machine. Over the course of the unit, students construct a foundational understanding of why things move in different ways.
How can a sea turtle survive in the ocean after being released by an aquarium?
Working in their role as aquarium scientists, students apply their understanding of plant and animal defense structures as they explain to aquarium visitors how a sea turtle or other sea animals at the aquarium could defend themselves from ocean predators once they are released back into the wild.
PLANT AND ANIMAL RELATIONSHIPS
What is happening to the chalta trees in the Bengal Tiger Reserve?
In their role as plant scientists, students figure out why there are no new chalta trees growing in the Bengal Tiger Reserve, which is part of a broadleaf forest. Students investigate what chalta trees need to survive, and then they collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data to solve the mystery.
How is it possible for a train to float?
Students, taking on the role of student scientists, are challenged to figure out how a floating train works in order to explain it to the citizens of Faraday. People in Faraday are excited to hear that a new train service will be built for their city, but are concerned when they hear that it will be a floating train. Students develop models of how the train rises, floats, and then falls back to the track, and then write an explanation of how the train works.
Why does Ergstown keep having blackouts?
Students take on the role of systems engineers for Ergstown, a fictional town that experiences frequent blackouts, and explore the reasons why an electrical system can fail. Students apply what they learn to choosing new energy sources and energy converters for the town, and then they prepare arguments for why their design choices will make the town’s electrical system more reliable.
PATTERNS OF EARTH AND SKY
Archaeologists discovered part of an ancient artifact that depicts the sun and other stars. How can we figure out what would have appeared on the missing piece?
Taking on the role of astronomers, students help a team of archaeologists at the fictional Museum of Archaeology figure out what the missing piece of a recently discovered artifact might have depicted. As they learn about the sun, other stars, and the movement of Earth, students can explain what is shown on the artifact and what might be on the missing piece.