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7th Grade  Project 2 weeks

"Warmth Warriors: PCM Incubator Innovations"

Chris O
MS-PS1-6
MS-PS1-6
MS-PS3-3
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to engage students in a real-world engineering challenge that addresses a critical healthcare need for premature babies in rural areas. By designing and testing portable incubator prototypes using phase change materials, students will apply scientific principles and develop problem-solving skills. This project fosters self-directed learning, critical thinking, and a strong sense of community impact, as students collaborate with healthcare professionals and peers to create innovative solutions.

Learning goals

Students will learn to apply scientific principles to design and test a device that optimizes thermal energy transfer, specifically focusing on the use of phase change materials in portable incubators. They will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by exploring innovative solutions to real-world challenges faced by premature babies in rural areas. Through self-directed learning and reflection, students will enhance their understanding of their role in addressing community needs and gain insight into the impact of their work on neonatal care.
Standards
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] MS-PS1-6 - Undertake a design project to construct, test, and modify a device that either releases or absorbs thermal energy by chemical processes.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] MS-PS1-6 - Undertake a design project to construct, test, and modify a device that either releases or absorbs thermal energy by chemical processes.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] MS-PS3-3 - Apply scientific principles to design, construct, and test a device that either minimizes or maximizes thermal energy transfer.
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 create a functional prototype of a portable incubator using phase change materials, designed to maintain warmth for premature babies in rural areas. Throughout the project, they will compile a comprehensive project portfolio documenting their experiments, design iterations, and reflections. This portfolio will include detailed sketches, data analysis from thermal energy transfer tests, and insights gained from healthcare professional consultations. Additionally, students will prepare a presentation for the 'Newborn Care Symposium,' showcasing their prototype and discussing the potential impact on neonatal care in underserved communities.

Launch

Begin the project with a dynamic 'Phase Change Exploration Day,' where students engage in interactive experiments to observe phase changes in various materials. They will rotate through stations, each demonstrating different aspects of phase change, such as melting ice or heating wax, to visualize the temperature plateau. This hands-on experience will spark curiosity and provide foundational knowledge crucial for understanding how phase change materials function in incubators.

Exhibition

Host a 'Newborn Care Symposium' where students present their portable incubator prototypes to an audience of peers, teachers, and healthcare professionals. The event will feature student-led demonstrations and discussions, highlighting the design process and the impact of their work. Invite neonatal specialists to provide expert talks, offering students and attendees valuable insights into the real-world application and significance of their projects.