"Paper Waves: Towering Tides Challenge"

All grades Project 1 week

"Paper Waves: Towering Tides Challenge"

Dorick L

HS.ED.SEP.1

CDT.3b.1

HS.ED.SEP.2

Self Directed Learning

Academic Mindset

+ 1 more

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Purpose

In this introductory mini-unit, students will engage in a hands-on project that immerses them in the foundational principles of Ocean Engineering while fostering essential engineering habits of mind. Through collaborative structure-building activities, students will explore problem-solving, critical thinking, and the application of mathematics and computational thinking in real-world contexts. This experience aims to cultivate a sense of identity and belonging, empowering students to direct their own learning and reflect critically on their approaches, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of engineering concepts throughout the course.

Learning goals

Students will collaboratively engage in constructing a paper structure, applying the AE3 habits of mind to enhance their problem-solving skills. They will develop a practical understanding of engineering technology by exploring innovative approaches and reflecting on their processes. Through peer feedback and self-reflection, students will build self-knowledge and a sense of belonging, while critically analyzing their work and its connection to real-world engineering scenarios.

Standards

[New York] CDT.3b.1 - develop practical understanding of engineering technology through reading, writing, sample problem solving, and employment experiences.
[New York] HS.ED.SEP.2 - Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
[New York] HS.ED.SEP.1 - Asking Questions and Defining Problems

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

Students will collaboratively construct a paper tower, documenting their process and reflecting on the application of AE3 habits of mind. Each group will create a presentation station featuring their completed structure, process notes, and reflections. The culmination of the project will be a 'Habits in Action Gallery Walk,' where students present their work, engage in peer feedback, and participate in a voting process to recognize innovative approaches.

Launch

Begin the course with an engaging "Engineering Challenge Kickoff" where students watch a short video showcasing real-world ocean engineering feats, sparking curiosity and setting the context for their project. Follow this with a dynamic group brainstorming session, where students predict the challenges they might face in building their structures and discuss potential strategies. This collaborative dialogue will help students connect the AE3 habits of mind to practical engineering tasks, laying the foundation for the hands-on project.

Exhibition

Students will participate in a 'Habits in Action Gallery Walk,' where each group will display their completed structures, along with process documentation and reflections on the AE3 habits they employed. Classmates will circulate through the stations, providing feedback and voting on the most innovative use of AE3 habits. Photographs of each group's work will be taken to create a visual record of the learning experience, celebrating the diverse approaches and solutions developed by the students.