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Students are challenged to build a flashlight with random assorted materials.
First, I have students complete a Parts, Purposes, and Complexities. Students take apart a flashlight and analyze each piece to determine the purpose. Below is my exemplar of the Parts, Purposes, and Complexities routine. There is definitely more that could have been done here.
Then, I give students a challenge to design and build their own working flashlight. It varies with the materials that I let them use. Sometimes I provide them with a brown bag of materials to use. Other times, I tell them they can only use materials they have in their backpacks.
Students in the most recent class used aluminum foil, tape, batteries and more to complete their flashlights.
Post build, I have students analyze the circuitry of the flashlight, calculate resistance and current, while also providing feedback to other students designs. I also have students reflect on the process either written assignment or presentation.
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