"Measurement Mania: Rule the Dimensions!"

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th Grades Project 1 week

"Measurement Mania: Rule the Dimensions!"

Barbara Volpe

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Purpose

This project aims to immerse students in the practical application of dimensional measurement systems, enhancing their understanding of precision and accuracy in manufacturing. Through hands-on model construction and interactive activities, students will explore how US Customary and SI measurement systems impact global engineering projects. By collaborating with community partners and engaging in peer critique, students will refine their measurement skills and conversion techniques, preparing them for real-world challenges in engineering and manufacturing.

Learning goals

Students will develop a deep understanding of dimensional measurement systems, including US Customary and SI, and their impact on global manufacturing processes. They will learn to apply precision and accuracy in constructing models, using both measurement systems, and effectively convert measurements between systems. Through hands-on activities and collaboration with community partners, students will gain practical skills in measurement tools and techniques, enhancing their problem-solving abilities in real-world engineering scenarios.

Standards

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; choose and interpret units consistently in formulas; choose and interpret the scale and the origin in graphs and data displays.
Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSN.Q.A.2: Define appropriate quantities for the purpose of descriptive modeling.
NGSS - HS-ETS1-4: Use a computer simulation to model the impact of proposed solutions to a complex real-world problem with numerous criteria and constraints on interactions within and between systems relevant to the problem.

Products

Students will design and construct a functional model of a bridge, applying both US Customary and SI measurement systems to demonstrate precision and accuracy in engineering. They will also create a detailed scale model of a manufacturing assembly line, integrating measurement tools and conversion techniques to highlight production efficiency. Additionally, students will develop a prototype of a household item, such as furniture or a kitchen gadget, utilizing precise measurements and conversions between systems, and present the design process and final product at the project's conclusion.

Launch

Begin the project with a 'Measurement Olympics,' where students engage in hands-on challenges that require precise measurement using both US Customary and SI systems. Activities could include measuring and cutting materials for a mini-model, estimating dimensions, and competing in accuracy tasks. This event will foster teamwork, skill development, and a practical understanding of measurement concepts, setting the stage for the project's deeper exploration of precision and conversion techniques.

Exhibition

Students will present their projects at a 'Measurement Mastery Fair,' showcasing their models and conversion techniques to community partners, including engineers and university professors. Interactive stations will allow visitors to engage with precision measurement tasks, guided by student-led presentations. The event will also feature a 'Global Manufacturing Expo,' where students simulate manufacturing processes, explaining the impact of measurement conversions on engineering projects to peers, parents, and industry professionals.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6
Activities	Measurement Olympics Kick-off - Engage in hands-on challenges to measure and cut materials using US Customary and SI systems, fostering teamwork and skill development (30 min) Introduction to Dimensional Measurement - Define dimensional measurement and explain its importance in manufacturing, emphasizing real-world applications (30 min)	Exploring Measurement Systems - Describe two systems of dimensional measurement used in manufacturing: US Customary and SI, highlighting global impact (20 min) Hands-on Measurement Practice - Learn to use an SI machinist's rule through practical exercises, focusing on precision and accuracy (40 min)	Understanding Accuracy and Precision - Define measurement accuracy and precision, discussing their significance in engineering tasks (20 min) Resolution Exploration - Define resolution and explain its effect on accuracy, conducting experiments to illustrate concepts (40 min)	US Machinist's Rule Application - Describe how to use a US Customary machinist's rule, engaging in precision measurement activities (30 min) Conversion Techniques Session - Explore how to convert from decimal US Customary units to SI units, practicing conversion methods (30 min)	Peer Critique and Feedback - Present measurement models to classmates for peer review, focusing on accuracy and conversion techniques (30 min) Reflection Circle - Share challenges and solutions encountered in measurement tasks, collaboratively refining techniques (30 min)	Measurement Conversion Mastery - Describe how to convert SI units to US Customary units and measurements in common fractions to decimal inches, solidifying conversion skills (30 min) Global Manufacturing Mixer - Collaborate in teams to solve engineering problems using both measurement systems, promoting critical thinking and understanding (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed small-scale model using both US Customary and SI measurement systems. 2. Reflective journal documenting the learning journey, challenges, and solutions related to measurement accuracy and precision.
Preparation	1. Secure materials for the 'Measurement Olympics' and 'Conversion Carnival' activities, such as rulers, measuring tapes, and conversion charts. 2. Coordinate with the university engineering department for workshops and confirm the schedule with professors and graduate students. 3. Arrange transportation and permission slips for the visit to the local manufacturing company. 4. Prepare peer review guidelines and reflection journal templates for students to document their progress and insights.