This project immerses students in a dynamic, interdisciplinary experience where they apply scientific, engineering, and creative principles to design vehicles that address real-world challenges. By engaging in collaborative teamwork, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they explore innovative solutions. The project fosters self-directed learning and an academic mindset, encouraging students to reflect on their progress and adapt their strategies. Through hands-on activities, iterative design processes, and presentations that include both physical models and digital slideshows, students gain a deeper understanding of the impact of technology and sustainability on the future of transportation.
Learning goals
Students will collaboratively design and prototype a futuristic vehicle, integrating sustainable and innovative features to enhance safety and user experience. They will engage in iterative testing and modification, applying scientific and engineering principles to minimize collision forces and optimize design. Through critical reflection and peer feedback, students will develop self-directed learning skills, fostering a sense of identity and belonging in their learning community. They will evaluate competing designs systematically, considering real-world constraints and community relevance, to create a compelling marketing plan and presentation. Additionally, students will build physical models and create a slideshow presentation to document their design process and showcase their final product, combining hands-on creation with digital storytelling.
Standards
[Kentucky] HS-PS2-3 - Apply scientific and engineering ideas to design, evaluate, and refine a device that minimizes the force on a macroscopic object during a collision.*
[Kentucky] MS-ETS1-4 - Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.
[Kentucky] MS-ETS1-2 - Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
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 this project, students will create detailed sketches and digital models of their futuristic vehicles using design software and develop a slideshow to present their concepts. They will construct tangible scale models using materials like cardboard, LEGOs, or 3D printing, allowing hands-on creation. Additionally, students will develop a comprehensive marketing plan, including cost analysis and targeted advertising materials such as posters or videos. The project culminates in a polished presentation where each team pitches their vehicle concept to a panel, simulating a real-world business pitch scenario.
Launch
Kick off the project with a virtual tour of a cutting-edge automotive design facility or a guest speaker session with an automotive engineer. Follow this with a hands-on activity where students create a physical prototype using materials like clay or cardboard, complemented by a digital slideshow presentation of their initial ideas. Encourage students to focus on innovative features that enhance safety and user experience, considering current trends and future possibilities, and ensure they present their creations to peers for feedback.
Exhibition
Students will showcase their futuristic vehicle designs in a dynamic exhibition that includes interactive displays and live demonstrations of their scale models crafted from materials like cardboard, LEGOs, or through 3D printing. Each team will present their marketing strategies and design innovations in a "Shark Tank"-style pitch to a panel of community members, industry experts, and peers. The event will feature a gallery walk where attendees can engage with students, ask questions, and provide feedback on the practicality and creativity of the designs. Students will also create a slideshow presentation to accompany their displays, highlighting their design process and key features of their vehicles. This exhibition will include a voting component for the "People's Choice Award," fostering a sense of community involvement and recognition for students' hard work and creativity.
