"Water Whiz: Splash-Powered Rube Challenge"

8th Grade Project 1 week

"Water Whiz: Splash-Powered Rube Challenge"

Kendra Huerta Hernandez

MS-ETS1-1

MS-ETS1-4

MS-PS2-2

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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage students in the engineering design process by creating a Rube Goldberg machine that uses water to demonstrate principles of forces and motion. Students will define design criteria, test and refine their machines, and develop a deeper understanding of how energy transfer can be optimized. Through hands-on experimentation and iterative testing, students will enhance their problem-solving skills and apply scientific principles in a creative, real-world context.

Learning goals

Students will develop an understanding of how forces and motion influence the movement of objects by designing and testing a Rube Goldberg machine that uses water as a key component. They will learn to define design criteria and constraints, iteratively test and optimize their machine, and analyze the impact of their design choices on performance. Through daily reflections and self-assessment, students will enhance their problem-solving skills and deepen their comprehension of scientific principles related to energy transfer and motion.

Standards

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.
MS-ETS1-4 - Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.
MS-PS2-2 - Plan an investigation to provide evidence that the change in an object's motion depends on the sum of the forces on the object and the mass of the object.

Products

Students will collaboratively design and build a Rube Goldberg machine that incorporates water as a key element for energy transfer and task completion. They will create detailed design blueprints and iterative models, documenting their process in project journals. By the end of the project, students will produce a video presentation showcasing their machine in action, accompanied by a self-assessment and reflection on their learning journey.

Launch

To kick off the project, initiate a hands-on exploration session where students experiment with simple water-based mechanisms, such as water wheels or siphons, to observe how water can be used to transfer energy. Host a brainstorming session where students sketch initial ideas for their Rube Goldberg machines, focusing on how water will drive the sequence of actions. Encourage students to share their sketches and ideas with peers for initial feedback, fostering a collaborative atmosphere from the start.

Exhibition

Students will create and share video demonstrations of their Rube Goldberg machines in action during a 'Wave of Innovation' virtual exhibition. These videos will be uploaded to a class website or shared on a designated social media platform, allowing students to showcase their design solutions and receive feedback from peers, teachers, and a broader online audience. This exhibition will highlight each student's unique approach to using water as a driving force in their machine, fostering a sense of accomplishment and community engagement.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Introduction to Rube Goldberg Machines - Students participate in a hands-on exploration session experimenting with simple water-based mechanisms like water wheels or siphons to observe water's role in energy transfer.	Activity 2: Brainstorming and Sketching - Students engage in a brainstorming session to generate ideas for their Rube Goldberg machine. They sketch initial designs focusing on using water to drive actions and share these with peers for feedback.	Activity 3: Defining Criteria and Constraints - Students collaboratively define the criteria and constraints for their machine, considering scientific principles, and document these in their project journals.	Activity 4: Prototype Development - Using available materials, students begin building a basic prototype of their Rube Goldberg machine, focusing on the sequence of actions driven by water.	Activity 5: Testing and Iteration - Students test their prototype, observe its performance, and record results in their project journals. Based on observations, they plan modifications for optimization.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Initial design sketches and documented criteria and constraints in project journals. 2. Deliverable 2: Video recording of the prototype's initial test run, highlighting areas for improvement.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Gather materials such as tubing, funnels, small containers, marbles, and other building supplies for water-based mechanisms. 2. Prep Task 2: Set up a digital platform for students to share sketches and receive peer feedback. 3. Prep Task 3: Prepare a rubric for students' self-assessment and reflection, focusing on design criteria and testing observations. 4. Prep Task 4: Organize a virtual space for the 'Wave of Innovation' exhibition, ensuring students can upload videos and receive feedback.