This program integrates engineering and technology in the Force and Motion science curriculum at APS. Students are presented with a hands-on, practical engineering design experience through a performance optimization of a model race car. They are engaged in using technology (CAD Software, Virtual wind tunnel) to design and test a shell for a mini model car, while learning science concepts and process skills. This approach allows true integration of STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
For our first year of implementation, we will use some existing lessons from the “Issues in Physical Science: Force and Motion”, and add the engineering design component. You will find an outline of lessons in the scope and sequence document. For the second year of implementation, lessons were presented to classes in five pilot schools by 5 teachers. During the third and fourth year of implementation, the lessons were utilized in all nine schools by 14 teachers, after teachers participated in a summer professional development week-long experience.
The curriculum follows a guided inquiry approach, where students explore concepts by experiencing them first (Learning cycle approach, Bybee et al., 2006). The presentation of the content follows the engineering design cycle. Students are presented with a problem that they need to solve (how to optimize the performance of a model Soap Box Derby Car). They will investigate the aerodynamics of the car through guided activities using hands-on and virtual labs. Using knowledge gained from these activities, they will brainstorm and design a car shell using CAD software, test their designs virtually, optimize, then print their designs. Groups of students will then test their manufactured car shells in a class or school competition.
This program is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards and Ohio Science Standards. A matrix of alignment is provided here: Lesson Standards Crosswalk
This curriculum guide will guide you through the implementation of the activities. You can click on “curriculum” from the drop down menu in the Teachers tab.
Materials:
Supplied by Grant: Supplied by School:
Track Laptops for groups of students
Mini-cars Materials from Force and Motion Unit
3-D Printers
Wind Tunnel
Access to Virtual Wind Tunnel
Access to 123 Design or Onshape CAD software