Chip In: Revolutionizing Money with Tech Implants

6th Grade

Project
4 weeks

Chip In: Revolutionizing Money with Tech Implants

Madysen Porter

Purpose

Students will explore the intersection of technology and finance by investigating how microchip implants can alter our interactions with money. Through hands-on activities, they will simulate transactions using mock microchip implants, analyze the benefits and challenges of this technology, and collaboratively design a presentation to share their findings. This project encourages critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration as students consider the ethical and practical implications of emerging payment technologies.

Learning goals

Students will explore the impact of microchip implant technology on financial transactions and personal privacy. They will investigate how this technology functions, its potential benefits, and ethical considerations. By the end of the project, students will collaboratively create a presentation or a model demonstrating their understanding of how microchip implants could transform everyday interactions with money.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.7: Integrate information presented in different media or formats as well as in words to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
NGSS - MS-ETS1-1: Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

Products

Students will create a digital presentation that explores the potential impact of microchip implants on financial transactions. They will work in groups to research and present different perspectives, including technological, ethical, and societal implications. By the end of the project, each group will present their findings and propose a future scenario where such technology is widely adopted, highlighting both benefits and challenges.

Launch

Begin the project with a short video or news clip showcasing how microchip implants are used for payments in real-world scenarios. Follow this with a class discussion to explore students' initial thoughts and questions about the technology. Encourage students to brainstorm potential benefits and challenges of using microchip implants for transactions, setting the stage for their project exploration.

Exhibition

On the final day, students will host a "Future of Money Fair" where they present their microchip implant payment prototypes and research findings. Each group will create a display that includes a model of their microchip design, a short video or skit demonstrating its use, and a poster explaining the potential impacts on society. Invite classmates, teachers, and family members to explore the fair, ask questions, and engage in discussions about the benefits and challenges of this technology.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Introduction and Exploration: Begin with a short video showcasing microchip implants in use for payments. Facilitate a class discussion on students' initial thoughts and questions about the technology.	Brainstorming Session: Divide students into small groups to brainstorm potential benefits and challenges of using microchip implants for transactions. Have them list their ideas on chart paper.	Research and Inquiry: Guide students to research how microchip implants work. Provide resources such as articles, videos, and websites. Encourage them to focus on technological aspects, ethical considerations, and societal impacts.	Simulated Transaction Activity: Using mock microchips (such as RFID tags or cards), simulate a transaction process in class. Students will take turns acting as customers, cashiers, and observers to understand how the technology functions in practice.
Deliverables	1. Completed group chart paper listing potential benefits and challenges of microchip implants. 2. Research notes highlighting key technological, ethical, and societal insights gathered from their exploration.
Preparation	1. Prepare and curate a selection of articles, videos, and websites about microchip implants for student research. 2. Gather materials for the simulated transaction activity, including mock microchips (RFID tags or similar), and set up stations for role-playing the transaction process. 3. Arrange for a video or news clip that introduces microchip implant technology in real-world scenarios.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Prototype Design: In small groups, students will design a prototype of a microchip implant payment device. They will sketch their designs on paper, considering the technological features, user interface, and privacy safeguards.	Ethical Debate Preparation: Students will prepare for a class debate on the ethical implications of microchip payment technology. Each group will be assigned a stance (pro or con) and research supporting arguments, using information gathered from Week 1.	Mock Presentation Development: Groups will begin developing a short digital presentation to explain their prototype design and ethical perspective. This includes selecting visuals, drafting key points, and planning the structure of their presentation.
Deliverables	1. Group sketch of the microchip implant payment device prototype, detailing its features and functionality. 2. List of arguments and counterarguments prepared for the ethical debate, with supporting evidence. 3. Draft outline of the group's digital presentation, including key points and selected visuals.
Preparation	1. Provide materials for prototype design, including sketch paper, markers, and design templates. 2. Gather resources for ethical debate preparation, such as articles and case studies on privacy and security in technology. 3. Set up a digital platform (e.g., Google Slides, Canva) for students to use in creating their presentations.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Presentation Refinement: Students will continue to develop their digital presentations, incorporating feedback from peers and teachers. They will refine their arguments and incorporate additional research findings.	Role-Play Scenario: Students will participate in a role-play activity where they simulate a society where microchip implants are the standard for payments. They will explore different perspectives (e.g., consumer, business owner, privacy advocate) and discuss potential societal impacts.	Peer Review and Feedback: Groups will present their refined digital presentations to peer groups for constructive feedback. They will use a structured peer review form to provide and receive feedback, focusing on clarity, argument strength, and visual presentation.
Deliverables	1. Completed and refined digital presentation, incorporating additional research and peer feedback. 2. Peer review forms completed by each group, providing feedback on other groups' presentations.
Preparation	1. Prepare a rubric for assessing presentations, focusing on content accuracy, argumentation, and visual design. 2. Arrange a space for role-playing activities and gather any props or materials needed to simulate different societal roles. 3. Create and distribute structured peer review forms for students to use during the feedback session.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Final Presentation Rehearsal: Groups will practice their digital presentations, focusing on delivery, timing, and clarity. Students will take turns presenting to the class and receive final feedback from the teacher.	Future of Money Fair Setup: Students will collaboratively set up their exhibition spaces, preparing their models, videos, and posters for display. They will ensure all materials are ready for the fair.	Future of Money Fair: Host the event where each group presents their microchip implant payment prototypes and research findings to classmates, teachers, and family members. Students will engage with visitors, answer questions, and discuss the societal impacts of the technology.
Deliverables	1. Finalized digital presentation, incorporating all feedback and research. 2. Exhibition display including a model, a short demonstration video or skit, and an informative poster outlining the project's key findings and implications.
Preparation	1. Organize the classroom or venue for the Future of Money Fair, ensuring ample space for each group's display. 2. Prepare any necessary equipment for presentations, such as projectors or laptops. 3. Invite other classes, teachers, and family members to attend the fair, coordinating schedules and logistics.