5th Grade STEM - Engineering Design Process Unit SeaPerch Unit Description: Utilizing the SeaPerch curriculum and resources, students will learn about the Engineering Design Process. They will work in small groups to create an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) that will need to complete two tests (obstacle course and the challenge). The obstacle course will require the students to move their ROV through various hoops and rings. The challenge will have other tasks, such as picking up objects and moving them to another location in the pool/tank. This unit will support students’ knowledge of scientific concepts such as density and buoyancy. Unit Duration/Timeframe: Approx. 34 days of instruction Standards Addressed: Standards Addressed Student Friendly “I-Can” Statements 3-5-ETS1-1 Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost I can define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost. 3-5-ETS1-2 Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem I can generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. 3-5-ETS1-3 Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved I can create an engineered model limited by criteria and constraints and designed to achieve the task of solving a complex problem. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.4 Report on a topic or text or present an opinion, sequencing ideas logically and using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes; speak clearly at an understandable pace. I can present information using a clear voice and speak at an understood pace. Essential Questions (as listed in calendar): What is technology? What is engineering? What is the Engineering Design Process?
Investigation Activities/Pacing/Essential Questions: (Activities from SeaPerch.org) Day 1 Introductions Expectations Intro to STEM Discussion Sailboat Challenge - Design Plans - Begin Building - Record Problems - Create Solutions Day 2 Sailboat Activity - Test Sailboat - Improve - Test - Reflect Exit Slip: Self Assessment Day 3 Pre-Test Big Question: What is technology? Big Question: What is engineering? Review technology and engineering terms Day 4 Review concepts Engineering Design Process Create Poster/notes Present SeaPerch with video Day 5 Read article about underwater ROVs Discuss impact of ROVs and purpose Explain Research Project Exit Slip: Pick topic Day 6 ROV research project Day 7 ROV research project Day 8 Research project Day 9 Research Project Day 10 Research Project Day 11 Begin Presentations Day 12 Finish Presentations Day 13 Flotation Device Challenge Day 14 Flotation Device Challenge Day 15 Review EDP Gather kits Safety Explanations Measure and mark PVC pipes Cut frame parts Mark spots for drain holes Exit Slip: Day 16 Finish marking holes Drill holes Exit Slip: Day 17 Finish drilling Assemble frame and attach net Exit Slip: Day 18 Teacher models & explains motors - Drill hole in container - Strip & connect cable wires - cover in wax Exit Slip: (Soldered by teacher) Day 19 Complete Motors - Mount propellers onto shaft - Mount thruster onto vehicles Exit Slip: Day 20 Waterproof cables Mount tether cables Connect control box Test motors using control box Exit Slip: Assessment Assessment
Day 21 Explain Daily Reflection WS Test ROV in water - Can it move up & down? - Can it move side to side? Exit Slip: Reflection WS Day 22 Continue testing ROVs underwater Exit Slip: Reflection WS Day 23 Improve ROVs for final Test Exit Slip: Daily Reflections Day 24 Finish improving their ROVs for final test Exit Slip: Daily Reflections Day 25 Obstacle Course test Exit Slip: Daily Reflection Day 26 Improve ROVs Exit Slip: Daily Reflection Day 27 Explain Challenge Students try to complete challenge with ROVs Exit Slip: Daily Reflection Day 28 Test ROV in Water for challenges - Is it able to move items? - Is it able to catch a ball in its net? Exit Slip: Daily Reflections Day 29 Improve ROVs Retest Exit Slip: Daily Reflection Day 30 Test and Improve ROVs for final test Exit Slip: Daily Reflections Day 31 Final underwater Tests Obstacle course Challenge Exit Slip: Daily Reflections Day 32 Engineering Design Process Team Summary Student Reflections - About the EDP - About Your Thinking Day 33 Review EDP and how it was used in building & testing their ROVs Day 34 Post-Assessment Academic Vocabulary: Tier 2 Tier 3 Plan technology Brainstorm engineering Team criteria Research data Communicate constraints
Apollo Lunar Rover Links: Day 11-12: ROV Presentation Rubric Name ________________________________________________________________ ROV Presentation Rubric Topic: ______________________________________________________ Emerging Approaching Proficient Topic The topic is simply stated. The topic is stated with a few facts (2-3). The topic is stated and explained thoroughly (4+ facts). Impact There is no impact provided. The impact of the ROV is stated briefly. The impact of the ROV is stated and explained thoroughly. No additional facts are given. A few additional facts are provided. 4+ additional facts are provided to assist in our
Date What new obstacle or snag did you find today? Were you able to solve the snag/obstacle today? How? If not, what is your plan to fix the obstacle/snag tomorrow? Date What new obstacle or snag did you find today? Were you able to solve the snag/obstacle today? How? If not, what is your plan to fix the obstacle/snag tomorrow?
What did you try that didn’t work out? How many times did something like this happen? What did you do when things didn’t work out like you expected? How could you bring technology into your final prototype? If given enough time, what would your next step look like? Name _____________________________________________________ Class __________ About Your Thinking 1. What were some of the struggles you and your team went through during the project?