Title: Building boats
Problem: Different boats for different areas. What boats could you build that would help for different situations? Why are there different types of propulsion?
Importance: Depending on where you live and what you are doing on the water, you will need a specific type of water craft. Also, learning how there are many forms of propulsion.
Students involved (number, grade level, etc.): 2 students; a 1st grader and a 4th grader.
The math (math standards): Measurement and Data will be the standard that will definitely be used at both grade levels.
The science (skills or concepts): Learning different propulsion methods (ex: propel, wind powered, pulley system, paddle, etc...).
The engineering: They will be building model boats using cardboard and duck tape.
The technology: They will create a waterway in Minecraft and use the movement of the water to propel themselves forward. Having a race with the cardboard models.
How it will be shared/communicated with the rest of us (PowerPoint, Prezi, Video, other): I will take pictures and probably video.
Sunshine, I'm not sure how exactly you are planning to implement this, but after learning about the different types of propulsion you could pose a scenario and ask them to design a boat to fit that particular scenario. I think they will have fun with the hands-on building and testing of the boats!
ReplyDeleteFor the technology, I would say the boats they create are the technology component.
From Wikipedia: "Technology (from Greek τέχνη, techne, "art, skill, cunning of hand"; and -λογία, -logia[1]) is the making, modification, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems, and methods of organization, in order to solve a problem, improve a pre-existing solution to a problem, achieve a goal, handle an applied input/output relation or perform a specific function."
Use of Minecraft as a technology (tool) to model/test their solutions is another example of using technology.
I agree with Lori. My suggestion would be to have them identify a particular function, e.g., fishing for cod, hauling coal, breaking through ice, etc. and then design the boat for that function. They could create the Titanic in Minecraft if they wanted. By that I mean they could create a huge vessel complete with engine room, staterooms, etc.
ReplyDeleteOkay, so I need to narrow it down. I do like that idea of having to create a large vessel that is fully functional. This would require a lot of research and then laying out of plans that would become a huge project. I could have them create it on Minecraft, then possibly a model for show (internal and external model) and one to show that it can float and propel forward. This may be way too much, but we can start with the Minecraft built ship and see if they have time to do actual models after that part is complete.
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