Embedded Files
Grade: 3rd
Standards:
3-PS2-2. Make observations and/or measurements of an object’s motion to provide evidence that a pattern can be used to predict future motion
Summary:
Students will build their own small-scale model roller coasters using pipe insulation and marbles, and then analyze them using physics principles learned in the associated lesson. They examine conversions between kinetic and potential energy and frictional effects to design roller coasters that are completely driven by gravity. A class competition using different marbles types to represent different passenger loads determines the most innovative and successful roller coasters.
Focus Questions:
Why is your rollercoaster not working the way you've planned? What can you change to fix it?
What parts of the rollercoaster speed up the marble? Slow it down?
How does potential energy, velocity, and friction play a part in your rollercoaster?
Posted by: Lauren Pio
Grade: K-2
Cross Cutting Concepts:
Cause and Effect
Systems and System Models
Structure and Function
Summary:
Explore simple machines, how they are all around us, and how they make moving things incredibly easier. Through exploration and experimentation, students are able to see how some rope or a wedge can make work less demanding.
Focus Questions:
What are simple machines?
How are simple machines helpful?
How do simple machines use force?
Posted by: Abby Jankowski
Grade: K-2
Standards:
K-2-ETS1-1
K-2-ETS1-2
K-2-ETS1-3
Summary:
This lesson focuses on both what an engineer does and why their job is important to society. Through immersive exploration, students are able to better understand a crucial occupation which they may be interested in in the future. Not only will students be able to explain the job of an engineer, but there is an experiment about building a candy bridge included!
Focus Questions:
How do engineers use science and math?
What do engineers do?
What is the goal each time engineers re-design something?
Posted by: Abby Jankowski
Grade: 6
Standards:
MS-PS1-6
MS-ETS1-1
MS-ETS1-2
MS-ETS1-3
Summary:
How do engineers edit their work? What steps do they take to design solutions to problems? This lesson puts students in the mindset of an engineer and encourages them to think with a solution oriented mindset. By explaining the design process and taking students through a mock design, students can have a better understanding of just what it means to be an engineer and work to solve problems.
Focus Questions:
What is the engineering design process?
What are the "phases" of the engineering design process?
How can you use the engineering design process?
Posted by: Abby Jankowski
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