WV State Standards: Math: M.O.6.4.2 Technology: 21C.O.5-.8.1.LS1 National Standards:  Math: 1 Blooms Taxonomy: Knowledge, Comprehension, Application 21st Century Skills: Creativity, Communication, Problem Solving, Collaboration

Overview:

This lesson will introduce students to a problem that can be solved with mathematics and engineering skills.  Students will brainstorm ideas with classmates using a graphic organizer and work in engineering design teams to finalize their group’s plan with a blueprint or sketch. The ultimate goal of this lesson is to help students understand how mathematics and technology are used in the real-world. To accomplish this, throughout the unit, students will act as engineers to design a backpack corner storage unit for Mrs. Backback's classroom.

Objective(s):

Students will be given a problem which must be solved using both mathematics and engineering skills.  In a group, students will develop and initiate a plan of action to solve the problem using smaller objectives and benchmarks.

Time Required:

Two (35 minute class periods)

Pre-Requisite Skills:

Students should be able to develop and test hypotheses to determine formulas for perimeter of polygons, including composite figures with the area of parallelograms and triangles, circumference and area of a circle and the volume of a rectangular prism (M.O. 6.4.2). Students should also have word processing skills.

Computer with Internet access
Wiki

Graphic organizer (paper copy)
graph paper
rulers
Wiki requirements student handout

Procedure:

1. Present the problem to the students in the Wiki format by visiting the Home page of Teacher’s Wiki. (For a tutorial on using a wetpaint wiki, go to http://www.wetpaint.com/ and click on Tell Me More then Sandbox)
2. Present the goal for the project using the Teacher’s Wiki and discuss the goal with students:  The design and construction of a scale drawing of a backpack storage unit. Also inform students that they will be presenting their project to the class using a wiki.    Each group will be required to communicate the following information in their Wiki.
   Page 1- Introduction of your team
   Page 2- Design of the actual storage unit (dimensions, scale factor, scale drawing, materials they would use to create the actual design)
   Page 3- Rationale for their actual design of storage (what makes your design the best for the classroom? Convince the rest of the class that your design is the best)
   Page 4- Describe the process and mathematics your team used to create your storage unit design.  Be specific with the math you used.  Include mathematics vocabulary. Also discuss the type of engineering concepts addressed in the design and construction of your team's backpack storage unit. What type of engineering roles did your team assume?
3. Students will work in teams to brainstorm and develop their design ideas. They also
   assign member responsibilities.  Each team will be provided with a graphic organizer to help complete their tasks for the day. 
4. Students will complete the graphic organizer and a sketch of their design by the end of the second day.

Students will work collaboratively to complete their projects.  Cooperative learning will enhance the productivity of all students.

Students will complete their graphic organizer and sketch of their backpack design.