All grades  Project 4 weeks

"Energize Our Future: Power for All!"

WILLIAM CASTILLO
Contextualize the Design Problem
Critique the Design Process
Evaluate the Design (Prototype)
Test the Design Prototype: Collect, Organize & Present Data
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Purpose

Students will engage in a dynamic, hands-on project to design innovative energy solutions that address the community's needs for affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy. Through collaboration with local experts and community partners, students will apply engineering principles to create prototypes and present their solutions to real-world stakeholders. This project not only aims to deepen students' understanding of sustainable energy but also to develop their critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Learning goals

Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of renewable energy sources and their impact on community sustainability. They will apply engineering and design principles to create innovative energy solutions that meet specific community needs. Through collaboration with community partners and experts, students will enhance their problem-solving, critical thinking, and public speaking skills. Reflective practices will enable students to assess their personal growth, technical skills, and the real-world implications of their projects.
Standards
  • [] Contextualize the Design Problem - Engineering/design problem is clearly defined and explained in terms of the human needs that are to be solved or fulfilled. Specific design constraints are clearly explained. Specific criteria for success are clearly explained. Background research on the project's content and context has been thoroughly conducted using relevant and credible resources.
  • [] Critique the Design Process - Thoroughly describes the design phase including thoughtful evaluation of models (e. g., diagrams, replicas, analogies, computer simulations, mathematical formulas) and design priorities. Thoroughly justifies how the selected prototype will best satisfy all criteria for success. Thoroughly justifies why all alternative prototypes were rejected. Thoroughly identifies and describes all relevant variables including any appropriate controls.
  • [] Evaluate the Design (Prototype) - Thoughtfully analyzes the extent to which prototype satisfies all criteria for success. Thoughtfully explains how data were used in optimizing the design through multiple iterations. Thoughtfully proposes effective and relevant revisions to the design.
  • [] Test the Design Prototype: Collect, Organize & Present Data - Collects extensive relevant data in a reliable manner for the purpose of optimizing the design. Thoroughly represents data appropriately in multiple ways (e.g., tables, charts, graphs). Conducts thorough mathematical analysis of the data.

Products

Students will create a prototype of a sustainable energy solution tailored to their community's needs, using materials and tools provided by local renewable energy companies. Throughout the project, they will develop a digital portfolio documenting their research, design iterations, and reflections. By the end of the four weeks, students will present their final prototypes and findings at a 'Sustainable Energy Expo,' where they will engage with community members and receive feedback on their innovative solutions.

Launch

Begin the project with an 'Energy Adventure Day' where students engage in building simple solar-powered models and exploring wind turbine mechanics through interactive activities. This hands-on experience will introduce them to key concepts of renewable energy and spark curiosity about sustainable solutions. The day will conclude with an interactive game simulating energy conservation challenges, setting the stage for students to brainstorm potential project ideas and goals collaboratively.

Exhibition

Organize a 'Sustainable Energy Expo' where students showcase their prototypes and solutions in interactive booths, engaging with community members, local experts, and stakeholders. Host an 'Energy Innovation Symposium' featuring TED-style talks, allowing students to present their project journey and discuss the impact of their solutions on community energy practices. Conduct a 'Renewable Energy Challenge' where students pitch their energy solutions to a panel of community partners, receiving feedback and recognition for creativity and sustainability. Create a 'Community Energy Forum' for roundtable discussions with local officials and residents to explore integrating solutions into community plans. Launch a 'Green Energy Showcase' in a gallery-style exhibition, enabling visitors to interact with designs and provide feedback.