"Zap & Snap: Build a Circuit Adventure!"

All grades Project 4 weeks

"Zap & Snap: Build a Circuit Adventure!"

Kim Mawhiney

1A-CS-03

1-PS4-4

HS-PS3-3

Self Directed Learning

Academic Mindset

+ 1 more

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Purpose

This project aims to immerse students in the practical application of electrical engineering principles by designing and building circuits powered by renewable energy sources. Through collaboration with the USCG, students will gain insights into real-world maritime technology and the importance of sustainable energy solutions. The hands-on experience fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-directed learning, enabling students to explore innovative approaches to energy conversion and communication over distances. Students will develop a strong academic mindset, establishing a sense of identity and belonging as they engage with their community and showcase their work at the Renewable Energy Fair.

Learning goals

Students will develop an understanding of basic circuit components and renewable energy sources, applying this knowledge to design and build functional circuits. They will enhance their problem-solving skills by troubleshooting and refining their designs, using peer and expert feedback. Through collaboration and inquiry, students will deepen their understanding of energy transfer and conversion, preparing them to engage critically with real-world applications of electrical systems.

Standards

1A-CS-03 - Describe basic hardware and software problems using accurate terminology.
1-PS4-4 - Use tools and materials to design and build a device that uses light or sound to solve the problem of communicating over a distance.
HS-PS3-3 - Design, build, and refine a device that works within given constraints to convert one form of energy into another form of energy.

Competencies

Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Throughout the project, students will create circuit diagrams and physical circuit models using renewable energy sources. They will develop a presentation for the 'Renewable Energy Fair' to explain their design process and the functionality of their circuits. By the end of the project, students will collaboratively troubleshoot an actual aircraft electrical panel, applying their learning to a real-world scenario.

Launch

To kick off the learning experience, invite a USCG representative to demonstrate how circuits are used in maritime technology, focusing on renewable energy applications. Students will have the opportunity to interact with the representative, ask questions, and engage in hands-on activities that illustrate the practical use of circuits in real-world scenarios. This launch will spark curiosity and provide a tangible connection to the project's essential question, setting the stage for deeper exploration and learning.

Exhibition

Students will participate in a 'Renewable Energy Fair,' where they will set up interactive booths to display their circuit designs. Each booth will include hands-on demonstrations, allowing visitors to see how the circuits function and understand the role of renewable energy in powering devices. Students will engage with parents, community members, and USCG representatives, explaining their design process, challenges faced, and solutions developed. This exhibition will provide an opportunity for students to showcase their learning, creativity, and problem-solving skills in a real-world context.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Project Launch - Invite a USCG representative to demonstrate maritime technology circuits and discuss renewable energy applications (20 min) Introduction to Circuits - Students explore basic circuit components like wires, batteries, and bulbs through hands-on exploration (25 min)	Circuit Component Identification - Students identify and gather necessary materials for building a circuit through guided exploration (15 min) Circuit Diagram Basics - Students learn to design simple circuit diagrams using symbols to represent components (30 min)	Designing Circuit Diagrams - Collaborate with peers to troubleshoot and refine circuit diagram designs (25 min) Electricity Principles - Conduct guided inquiry experiments to understand electricity and energy transfer (20 min)	Building Simple Circuits - Students practice assembling simple circuits using gathered materials (25 min) Energy Conversion Exploration - Experiments to observe how circuits function and convert energy (20 min)	Peer Feedback Session - Students conduct peer assessments on each other's circuit designs for functionality and sustainability (20 min) Reflection and Revision - Self-directed reflection on learning and revisions to circuit designs based on feedback (25 min)
Deliverables	1. Create and present a basic circuit diagram using standardized symbols.
Preparation	1. Organize a visit or virtual session with a USCG representative and prepare questions for students to ask during the session. 2. Gather materials such as wires, batteries, bulbs, and circuit diagram worksheets for students' exploration activities. 3. Set up stations with simple circuit components for hands-on investigation. 4. Prepare guidelines and criteria for peer feedback sessions to ensure constructive and focused input. 5. Develop a reflection prompt for students to evaluate their learning and plan next steps.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Renewable Energy Introduction - Explore different types of renewable energy sources and how they can power circuits (20 min) Group Brainstorming Session - Collaborate in groups to brainstorm ideas for using renewable energy in circuit designs (25 min)	Renewable Energy Research - Conduct guided online research on specific renewable energy technologies to gather information for circuit design (30 min) Circuit Design Planning - Begin sketching initial circuit designs incorporating renewable energy elements, using research findings (15 min)	Prototype Development - Start building a prototype of the circuit design using available materials and renewable energy sources (25 min) Troubleshooting Workshop - Collaborate with peers to identify and resolve issues in circuit prototypes, using critical thinking strategies (20 min)	Feedback and Refinement - Present circuit prototypes to peers for feedback and refine designs based on suggestions and insights (20 min) Guided Reflection - Reflect on the design process and individual learning, noting areas for further development (25 min)	USCG Feedback Session - Present updated circuit designs to a USCG representative for expert feedback and guidance on renewable energy application (25 min) Design Revision - Use feedback to make final adjustments to circuit designs, ensuring creativity, functionality, and sustainability (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed circuit diagrams using symbols to represent components. 2. Draft of final circuit design incorporating renewable energy sources, with peer assessment feedback.
Preparation	1. Prepare materials for circuit building: wires, batteries, bulbs, and basic tools. 2. Provide drawing supplies for students to create circuit diagrams. 3. Organize renewable energy source materials, such as small solar panels or wind energy kits. 4. Develop a rubric for peer assessments to guide constructive feedback. 5. Coordinate a virtual or in-person session with a USCG representative for feedback and advice on incorporating renewable energy.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Renewable Energy Circuit Refinement - Students refine their circuit designs using feedback received from peers and experts, focusing on incorporating renewable energy sources effectively (25 min) Interactive Problem Solving - Engage in small group problem-solving sessions to address challenges in energy conversion within circuit designs (20 min)	USCG Expert Feedback Session - Present refined circuit designs to a USCG representative and receive expert feedback on integrating renewable energy solutions (30 min) Design Iteration - Apply feedback to make necessary adjustments and improvements to circuit prototypes (15 min)	Hands-on Circuit Testing - Conduct thorough testing of circuit prototypes, documenting functionality and identifying areas for further refinement (25 min) Peer Collaboration - Work with peers to troubleshoot any persisting issues and brainstorm innovative solutions to improve circuit performance (20 min)	Circuit Functionality Presentation - Prepare and practice presenting circuit designs, focusing on explaining the energy conversion process and renewable energy integration (20 min) Constructive Critique - Participate in a peer review session, providing and receiving constructive feedback on presentation quality and circuit functionality (25 min)	Final Design Adjustments - Make final modifications to circuit designs based on peer and expert feedback, ensuring optimal performance (20 min) Renewable Energy Fair Preparation - Begin setting up booth displays for the upcoming Renewable Energy Fair, organizing materials and planning interactive demonstrations (25 min)
Deliverables	1. Students will submit revised circuit diagrams incorporating multiple renewable energy sources, demonstrating enhanced functionality and creativity. 2. Each student will submit a self-reflection journal entry detailing their learning journey, feedback received, and goals for the final week.
Preparation	1. Gather materials such as additional solar panels, wind turbines, and connectors for experimentation. 2. Coordinate with the USCG representative to schedule the workshop and ensure alignment with students' needs. 3. Prepare feedback forms to guide students in providing constructive peer reviews. 4. Create self-reflection prompts to assist students in assessing their progress and setting goals.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Circuit Functionality Testing - Conduct final tests on circuit prototypes, ensuring all components work seamlessly and energy transfer is efficient (20 min) Troubleshooting and Refinement - Collaborate in pairs to address any remaining issues in circuit designs, applying critical thinking strategies (25 min)	Exhibition Preparation - Organize and assemble booth displays for the Renewable Energy Fair, ensuring clarity and engagement in presentations (25 min) Interactive Demonstration Planning - Design interactive elements for booth presentations to illustrate renewable energy integration and circuit functionality (20 min)	Presentation Practice - Rehearse booth presentations with peers, focusing on clear communication of design processes and energy conversion principles (30 min) Constructive Feedback Session - Participate in peer review of presentations, offering and receiving suggestions to enhance delivery and content (15 min)	Renewable Energy Fair Set-up - Finalize booth arrangements and materials, ensuring readiness for the event and optimal visitor engagement (25 min) Reflection and Self-Assessment - Engage in self-reflection on personal learning and growth throughout the project, identifying key insights and areas for improvement (20 min)	Renewable Energy Fair Exhibition - Present circuit designs at the Renewable Energy Fair, articulating energy conversion processes and renewable energy applications to visitors (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed and Revised Circuit Design: Students submit their finalized circuit models with documented revisions based on peer and expert feedback. 2. Presentation Materials for Renewable Energy Fair: Students prepare all materials needed for their booth, including a detailed explanation of their circuit and its renewable energy components.
Preparation	1. Gather all necessary materials for circuit completion, including any additional renewable energy components. 2. Prepare assessment rubrics and guidelines for peer review sessions. 3. Coordinate with the USCG representative for the feedback session, ensuring all necessary technology and space is available. 4. Set up a simplified aircraft electrical panel for troubleshooting activity, ensuring all safety protocols are in place. 5. Organize materials and allocate space for the Renewable Energy Fair, ensuring access to presentation tools such as projectors or display boards.