Week 3-4: Problem Selection & Inquiry Development (PACE Framework Application)

🔹 Guiding DOK 4 Question: What are the key engineering challenges of your chosen aerospace problem, and how could you develop a unique solution?

🔹 Tasks:

• Choose a specific aerospace challenge (e.g., hypersonic flight, drone technology, space exploration).

• Use the PACE framework to critically assess the engineering challenges of the selected problem:

  • P - Point of View: Identify different stakeholders' views on the problem (e.g., engineers, military, industry).

  • A - Assumptions: Analyze the assumptions about technological limitations or market demand.

  • C - Consequences: Explore the consequences of solving this problem (e.g., impact on safety, the environment, or military capability).

  • E - Evidence: Research the scientific evidence, feasibility studies, and past attempts to address the challenge.

• Develop a research proposal that outlines the challenge, existing solutions, and a potential engineering innovation, supported by the PACE framework.

🔹 Online Resources for Teacher & Student:

• AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics): https://www.aiaa.org/

• NASA Glenn Research Center: https://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn

• LinkedIn Learning: https://www.linkedin.com/learning

Week 7-8: Testing, Analysis & Presentation (PACE Framework Integration)

🔹 Guiding DOK 4 Question: How can you improve your design based on test results, feedback, and real-world constraints?

🔹 Tasks:

• Evaluate the prototype through simulation tools and/or simple real-life tests.

• Revisit the PACE framework and adjust the design based on results:

  • P - Point of View: Consider how feedback from stakeholders (teachers, peers, engineers) may change the design.

  • A - Assumptions: Reevaluate the assumptions based on new data (e.g., performance metrics, test failures).

  • C - Consequences: Identify any new consequences after testing (e.g., safety concerns, efficiency).

  • E - Evidence: Gather and analyze data from tests, simulations, and expert feedback.

• Deliverable: A 5-minute presentation where the student explains the design process, testing results, and how the PACE framework guided their decisions.

🔹 Online Resources for Teacher & Student:

• WeVideo for Video Editing: https://www.wevideo.com/

• Google Slides for Presentations: https://edu.google.com/intl/ALL_us/for-educators/product-guides/slides/?modal_active=none

PACE Reflection Guide

1. Point of View (P)

Reflection Prompt:

• Who are the different stakeholders involved in this project?

• How might each of these stakeholders view your design or solution?
  (For example, consider the perspectives of engineers, Air Force personnel, the environment, civilian users, etc.)

• How did considering different points of view influence your design or decision-making process?

Reflection Questions:

• What were the various perspectives you considered during the design process?

• How did the needs and concerns of different people or groups (e.g., engineers, users, military, society) shape your project?

• Did you have to make any compromises to address multiple viewpoints? If so, what were they?

Example Response:
"My design was influenced by both the engineers' needs for practicality and the Air Force’s need for efficiency. The engineers preferred a lightweight material for the prototype, while the Air Force emphasized the need for durability. I had to balance these perspectives by choosing a material that was both durable and lightweight."

2. Assumptions (A)

Reflection Prompt:

• What assumptions did you make when designing your prototype?

• Were there any beliefs or generalizations you relied on when selecting materials, technology, or approaches?

• What assumptions did you challenge during your project?

Reflection Questions:

• What did you assume about your design's success when you started?

• Were there any preconceived ideas or industry standards that you accepted as true?

• How did you test or challenge these assumptions during your project? Were any of your assumptions wrong?

• How would your design change if these assumptions were incorrect?

Example Response:
"I assumed that the materials I chose would work well under high pressure and heat, but after testing, I found that they deformed at higher temperatures. This assumption was proven incorrect, and I had to choose a different material to ensure the durability of the design."

3. Consequences (C)

Reflection Prompt:

• What are the potential consequences of your design or solution?

• How could your innovation affect the environment, economy, or society in the short- and long-term?

• What might happen if your solution is adopted in real-world scenarios?

Reflection Questions:

• What are the immediate impacts of your design on the stakeholders (e.g., cost, resources, safety)?

• What are the long-term consequences (e.g., environmental, societal, economic)?

• How might your design affect future innovation or change industry standards?

• Were there any unintended consequences you didn’t foresee?

Example Response:
"If my design were adopted for commercial aircraft, the short-term consequence would be a reduction in fuel costs, but the long-term consequence could be more efficient air travel, lowering carbon emissions. However, if not properly tested, the new material might have unforeseen environmental impacts due to its production process."

4. Evidence (E)

Reflection Prompt:

• What evidence did you gather to support your design and decisions?

• How did data, tests, or research help you validate your assumptions or improve your prototype?

• How will you gather additional evidence to refine your design in the future?

Reflection Questions:

• What data or research did you use to back up your design choices (e.g., test results, expert opinions, simulations)?

• How did you use testing or simulation results to validate your design?

• What proof did you have that your design worked as intended?

• What additional evidence would be useful for further improving the design? What would you like to test next?

Example Response:
"I gathered evidence by running wind tunnel tests on my prototype to ensure it would maintain stability at high speeds. The test results confirmed that the material I used had the right balance of strength and weight. However, I would like to test the design under more extreme conditions to gather more evidence on its durability."