Grid Logic: Break the Bad Node!

11th Grade Project 1 week

Grid Logic: Break the Bad Node!

Kristijonas Vasiliauskas

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Purpose

Students will engage in a hands-on project that simulates troubleshooting within a grid or network system, honing their logical reasoning skills. They will work collaboratively to analyze test inputs and outputs, identifying faulty nodes through real-world problem-solving techniques. By partnering with local utility professionals, students will gain insights into practical applications of troubleshooting in various industries. The project culminates in a challenge where students apply their learning to new scenarios, demonstrating their ability to pinpoint defective components effectively.

Learning goals

Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by learning to systematically troubleshoot and identify faulty components within a network or grid. They will apply logic and reasoning to test various inputs and outputs, enhancing their understanding of systems thinking. Through collaboration with utility professionals, students will gain insights into real-world applications of troubleshooting techniques. The project aims to build students' confidence in diagnosing issues and proposing solutions within a set timeframe.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP1: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSN.Q.A.1: Use units as a way to understand problems and to guide the solution of multi-step problems.
NGSS - HS-ETS1-2: Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.

Products

Students will create a troubleshooting guide that outlines the logic and steps involved in diagnosing issues within a grid or network system. They will also develop a presentation showcasing their findings and solutions for identifying faulty nodes, using real-world utility scenarios provided by community partners. Additionally, students will produce a visual map or diagram of the grid, highlighting the path of inputs and outputs, and pinpointing the location of the malfunctioning component.

Launch

Begin the project by inviting a utility professional to speak about real-world troubleshooting in power grids and networks. Following the talk, students will engage in a hands-on activity where they simulate a simple grid using a physical model or software. They will test different inputs and outputs to identify a malfunctioning node, introducing them to the logic and processes used in troubleshooting.

Exhibition

Students will host a troubleshooting showcase where they present their findings and solutions to a panel of community partners, including local utility professionals. Each team will display a visual representation of the grid or network they analyzed, highlighting the process they used to identify the faulty node. Attendees will have the chance to interact with the students, ask questions, and provide feedback on their problem-solving strategies. This exhibition will serve as a platform for students to demonstrate their understanding and application of troubleshooting logic in real-world scenarios.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Discover: Introduction to Troubleshooting - Invite a utility professional to discuss real-world troubleshooting in power grids and networks, highlighting the importance of logical reasoning and systematic approaches. (20 min) Discover: Hands-On Grid Simulation - Engage students in a hands-on activity where they simulate a simple grid using a physical model or software, testing different inputs and outputs to identify a malfunctioning node. (25 min)	Examine: Question Generation and Research - Students generate questions about troubleshooting grids, then research using videos and interviews to build background knowledge on potential solutions. (25 min) Examine: Seminar-Style Discussion - Conduct a discussion to explore diverse perspectives on troubleshooting techniques and criteria for success, such as cost, safety, and effectiveness. (20 min)	Engineer: Hypothesis Development - Students develop a hypothesis predicting outcomes of their proposed solution for identifying faulty nodes, using evidence to support their reasoning. (20 min) Engineer: Plan Creation and Feedback - Teams create detailed plans for building, testing, and refining their solution, then receive T.A.G. Feedback from peers to improve their strategy. (25 min)	Do: Solution Implementation and Data Gathering - Students implement their solutions, documenting the process with videos or pictures, and begin gathering data on its effectiveness. (25 min) Do: Data Analysis and Team Discussion - Use the Data Analysis Protocol to evaluate the solution's impact, followed by a team discussion on scaling possibilities and hypothesis validation. (20 min)	Share: Presentation Preparation - Teams select relevant content for their final presentation, design their chosen tool (slides, video, or infographic), and rehearse as a group. (25 min) Share: Presentation and Reflection - Present the solution to an audience, respond to questions, and engage in individual reflection conversations with panelists, followed by a closing circle. (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Troubleshooting guide documenting logic and steps for diagnosing grid issues. 2. Visual map or diagram of the grid with identified faulty nodes. 3. Presentation of findings and solutions.
Preparation	1. Coordinate with local utility professionals for guest speaking and feedback. 2. Procure materials for physical grid models or software licenses. 3. Arrange space and equipment for student presentations and showcase.