WV State Standards: Science: P.1.2, P.1.3, P.1.4 Technology: 21C.O.9-12.1, 21C.O.9-12.2, 21C.O.9-12.3 National Standards:  Science: 12, 13 Technology: 1,2,3,4 Blooms Taxonomy: Comprehension, Application, Analyze, Synthesis 21st Century Skills: Information & Media Literacy, Problem identification, Formulation and Solution, Interpersonal and Collaborative, Self Direction

Overview:

In this lesson, students learn the function of engineers and engineering teams as they are presented with a societal and economic issue.  Students will develop engineering teams and assign responsibility to individual engineers as they begin the design of an electric powered car.  Students will be responsible for submitting a proposed budget, and will acquire information literacy while using the Internet to research engineering.

Objective(s):

SC.O.P.1.2 demonstrate how a testable methodology is employed to seek solutions for personal and societal issues (e.g., “scientific method”).

SC.O.P.1.3 relate societal, cultural and economic issues to key scientific innovations.

SC.O.P.1.4 conduct and/or design investigations that incorporate the skills and attitudes and/or values of scientific inquiry (e.g., established research protocol, accurate record keeping, replication of results and peer review, objectivity, openness, skepticism, fairness, or creativity and logic).

21C.O.9-12.1 The student will access, analyze, manage, integrate, evaluate, and create information in a variety of forms using appropriate technology skills and communicate that information in an appropriate oral, written, or multimedia format.

21C.O.9-12.2 The student will demonstrate the ability to explore and develop new ideas, to intentionally apply sound reasoning processes and to frame, analyze and solve complex problems using appropriate technology tools.

21C.O.9-12.3 The student will exhibit leadership, ethical behavior, respect for others; accept responsibility for personal actions considering the impact on others; take the initiative to plan and execute tasks; and interact productively as a member of a group.

Time Required:

Two 45 minute class periods

Pre-Requisite Skills:

Students should be able to use the Internet to research topics

Computers with internet access

Instructional Materials:

• The Fast and the Curious problem assignment
• Project design handout
• Journal requirements handout
• Price list for car parts handout
• Computers with internet access

1.      Explain the ACME Car Companies design challenge to the students and inform them they will be playing the role of engineers to design and construct prototype electrical cars.  (Classroom experience has shown teams of two students are most productive in this unit.  However, feel free to choose teams that fit your students learning style and your personal teaching style.)

2.      Present students examples of and cost list for available equipment for task.

3.      Have students research (on the Internet) the function of engineering teams in various industries. Students should explain how an engineer functions in the design and construction of products in industry. Students should be able to determine necessary roles/tasks for themselves on the project.

4.      Have students brainstorm a design plan and construction plan for project completion and assign roles within their engineering teams.  Careful consideration of material costs should be considered when students are designing their cars.

5.      Ask students to produce a preliminary diagram of their car design and a proposed budget showing material expenses.

6.      After students are comfortable with their role as engineers and their assigned task, move to Lesson 2.

Differentiated Instruction:

Some students may require a worksheet or guided questions from the teacher to keep them on task. Some students may also require additional time to complete the internet research portion of this lesson.

Part of the requirements for the project include students completing a daily journal detailing the work they completed on their project. The information regarding this part of the project is included in the Journal requirements handout.

The assessment for this lesson looks at the design plan, construction plan, and proposed budget. The requirements are detailed in the project rubric.