Topic EINSTEIN Content The development of E=mc^2 Energy Mass Velocity Topic Astrobiology Space Flight Content Searching for Life Designing a Parachute 3. Unit 3 Big Idea Sensor Technology Big Question How do scientists collect data with sensor technology? 4. Unit 4 Big Idea Product Design Big Question What is the design process? Topic Content Topic Content
Content Goals Understandings Students will understand that: Essential Questions Know Students will know: Do Students will be able to: Parachute Design KI 4 KI 5 KI 7 …scientists and engineers come to conclusions after testing their designs in experimental trials. …scientists and engineers work together to achieve their objectives. What causes things to fall at different speeds? Why do engineers and scientists work together on space missions? …how long it takes the light of the sun to reach the earth. Research and complete a U.S. space exploration time line. Examine a disaster in space flight as an example of engineering failure. Play the role of engineer and create part of a remotely operated vehicle for Mars exploration. Perform experimental trials with the parachute, analyze data, and form a conclusion. Big Idea: Sensor Technology Big Question: How do scientists collect data with sensor technology? Topics: Sensor Technology in Everyday Life and Design an Experiment with Sensors Suggested Time: 3-4 weeks Goals (New York State Math Science and Technology Standards) Standard 5: Technology
Content Goals Understandings Students will understand that: Essential Questions Know Students will know: Do Students will be able to: Problem Solving Achievements in Engineering Disasters in Engineering Reverse Engineering KI 1 KI 4 KI 5 Product Testing …engineers design products and infrastructure to create solutions to problems. … there is a process that is followed and finding solutions involves teamwork and collaboration. … products must be tested thoroughly for safety and efficiency. How do engineers work together to solve problems and create solutions? What is the design process? What happens when there is a failure in the design process? …engineers use the design process to find solutions and create new or improved products through innovation. …the collaboration during the design process and the testing phase are crucial elements of success. …engineers always have to deal with constraints and limits in the process. …in addition to designing consumer products, engineers design infrastructure. …if the design process fails, the consequences may be disastrous. ..research great achievements in engineering history and reflect on the impact those achievements had on humanity. …reverse engineer a product to determine how it was designed. …use the design process to solve a problem and design a new product. …research disasters in engineering and investigate what went wrong in the process. Engineering for the Developing World …seemingly minor innovations can have a huge impact on quality of life in developing nations What problems does the developing world experience? …innovations can improve quality of life and reduce mortality in developing nations. …research products that have made improvements in the lives of people in the developing world.
Content Goals Understandings Students will understand that: Essential Questions Know Students will know: Do Students will be able to: Fuel efficiency Concept cars KI 1 KI 4 KI 5 Alternative fuels …some fuels are more efficient than others. …automobiles have been designed but not brought to marked due to constraints. …alternative fuels have advantages and disadvantages. Why aren’t all vehicles fuel efficient? What factors makes some vehicles more fuel efficient than others? Why aren’t more alternative fuels available to consumers? Why does it take years to bring concept cars to market? How will cars be designed in the future? …the difference between potential and kinetic energy. …the design and testing process is critical to a successful commercial vehicle launch. …automobile design and alterative fuel development require years of collaborative work among engineers and scientists. …describe the positives and negatives of alternative fuels and alternative materials for cars. …design, build, and test a miniature car. …revaluate their design based on performance. …assess the impact of vehicle fuel choices for their community. Big Idea: Engineering in Architecture
Buildings are designed and built solely to perform a function. Architectural design does not have an impact on society. There are no limits on the size a building can be. Content Goals Understandings Students will understand that: Essential Questions Know Students will know: Do Students will be able to: Building Design Guggenheim KI 1 Falling Water KI 4 Empire State KI 5 Tower of Pisa World Trade Center Site . . . engineers and architects collaborate to ensure proper design and safety. …buildings must be designed to withstand natural and man made disasters. …aesthetics and safety must be considered when designing a building. Why are there building codes and standards? What are ethical considerations when building a memorial? Should safety be compromised to meet other constraints in design? Can architecture have an emotional impact on society? …a building is only as strong as its foundation. …the ethical and design challenges of building at the World Trade Center Memorial Site. …building materials can be tested in trials to ensure they can withstand stress levels. …building the models of the landmarks. …read about the history of their design. …present their findings to the class. ...research the challenges of building at the World Trade Center Site. Big Idea: Engineering in Infrastructure: Dams, Bridges, and Tunnels Big Question: How do engineers design infrastructure? Topics: Dams, Bridges, Tunnels Suggested Time: 3-4 weeks
Key Idea 4: Technological systems are designed to achieve specific results and produce outputs, such as products, structures, services, energy, or other systems. Common Misunderstandings: Anything bioengineered or genetically modified is unnatural and unhealthy. Bioengineering cannot have a positive impact on society and the environment. Additional Resources: Teachers Domain genetic engineering activities to choose from: Content Goals Understandings Students will understand that: Essential Questions Know Students will know: Do Students will be able to: Bioengineering and Human Health KI 1 KI 4 . . . bioengineering is used in agriculture and medicine to solve problems. Should scientists bioengineer food and medicines? What are the ethical concerns of bioengineering? What function does bioengineering play in our society? …what genetically modified means in terms of food labeling. …that many needs of medicine are met with genetic engineering. ...how genetic engineering takes place using plasmids. … genetically “modify” food through a web activity. …name several foods that are genetically modified. …complete an interactive showing how cloning takes place in the laboratory.
Aerodynamics Lift KI 1 …for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction (Newton’s third law of motion.) …engineers can design planes to avoid detection. What causes lift? How are planes designed to avoid detection? …the shape of an airplanes wing is an important factor in flight. …in order to produce lift, a wing must push air down. ..trade-offs must occur when designing for stealth. …fly a simulated glider on a computer to experience the lift. …complete a selective reading guide based on aerodynamics and lift. …create a model airplane glider and test it among their classmates to see who has built the best glider. …analyze the flight results and come to a conclusion about the planes design features and how they correspond to lift.