7th, 8th Grades
Project
4 weeks
DA:Pr5.1.8.c
Self Directed Learning
1-pager
Ask
Ask
Students will investigate ligament elasticity in the 'Ligament Olympics' through physical challenges, engage in drama skits to explore biomechanics concepts, and reflect on observations to define the problem and identify constraints.
Days 1 - 3
75 min over capacity (180 min available across 3 days)
Imagine
Imagine
Students will collaborate to brainstorm, sketch, and experiment with ideas for innovative ligament training exercises, incorporating their analysis of movement efficiency and elasticity to create preliminary designs for improvement in athlete performance.
Days 3 - 5
90 min over capacity (180 min available across 3 days)
Plan
Plan
Students will collaboratively select optimal materials and techniques to plan detailed 'Ligament Olympics' activities and the 'Ligament Mosaic' art project, integrating their understanding of biomechanics to design innovative, educational challenges over three focused planning days.
Days 5 - 7
105 min over capacity (180 min available across 3 days)
Create
Create
Students will construct, test, and refine prototype ligament training devices using everyday materials to apply their biomechanical insights, documenting their design process in visual storyboards for future refinement and experimentation.
Days 7 - 9
65 min over capacity (180 min available across 3 days)
Test
Test
Students will conduct hands-on 'Ligament Olympics' experiments by testing and analyzing the elasticity and speed of ligaments through interactive challenges and accurate data collection, validating their biomechanical models, and preparing insights for improvement.
Days 9 - 11
75 min over capacity (180 min available across 3 days)
Improve
Improve
Students will analyze results from the Kinesthetic Carnival to enhance their ligament exercises, participate in discussions to explore movement improvements, and refine their storyboard ideas for more effective performance modifications.
Days 11 - 13
30 min over capacity (180 min available across 3 days)
Share
Share
Students will present their 'Ligament Olympics' exercises and 'Ligament Mosaic' visual storyboards to peers and instructors, engage in reflective discussions to synthesize their research on ligament biomechanics and artistic expressions, and actively receive feedback to consolidate their learning journey.
Days 13 - 14
95 min over capacity (120 min available across 2 days)
Ask
Days 1–3
Day 1
Day 2
Imagine
Days 3–5
Day 3
Plan
Days 5–7
Day 5
Day 6
Create
Days 7–9
Day 7
Day 8
Test
Days 9–11
Day 9
Day 10
Improve
Days 11–13
Day 11
Day 12
Share
Days 13–14
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Day 16
Day 17
Day 18
Day 19
Day 20
July 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
20
Day 1
Ask
Drama Skits on Biomechanics Concepts
Drama Skits on Biomechanics Concepts
Biomechanics Blast-Off Relay Race
Biomechanics Blast-Off Relay Race
21
Day 2
Peer Feedback on Presentation Drafts
Peer Feedback on Presentation Drafts
Ligament Olympics: Physical Challenges
Ligament Olympics: Physical Challenges
Biomechanics Journal Reflection
Biomechanics Journal Reflection
Defining the Problem Presentation
Defining the Problem Presentation
22
Day 3
Imagine
Elastic Movement Exploration
Elastic Movement Exploration
Sketch and Share Session
Sketch and Share Session
Biomechanics Brainstorm Jam
Biomechanics Brainstorm Jam
Biomechanics Reflection Documentary
Biomechanics Reflection Documentary
23
Day 4
Peer Feedback Roundtable
Peer Feedback Roundtable
Innovative Design Refinement
Innovative Design Refinement
24
Day 5
Plan
Design and Material Selection Workshop
Design and Material Selection Workshop
Biomechanical Art Integration Brainstorm
Biomechanical Art Integration Brainstorm
Invention Sketch Presentation
Invention Sketch Presentation
Collaborative Design Project
Collaborative Design Project
27
Day 6
Final Presentation Preparation
Final Presentation Preparation
Creative Challenge Design Session
Creative Challenge Design Session
Planning Documentation and Sketch Revision Workshop
Planning Documentation and Sketch Revision Workshop
Peer Review Workshop: Mosaic Sketches
Peer Review Workshop: Mosaic Sketches
28
Day 7
Create
Innovative Design Brainstorm
Innovative Design Brainstorm
Prototype Construction Workshop
Prototype Construction Workshop
Ligament Mosaic Sketches and Plan
Ligament Mosaic Sketches and Plan
Collaborative Ligament Training Plan Presentation
Collaborative Ligament Training Plan Presentation
29
Day 8
Testing and Iteration Session
Testing and Iteration Session
Feedback and Revision Checkpoint
Feedback and Revision Checkpoint
Design Process Storyboard Creation
Design Process Storyboard Creation
30
Day 9
Test
Biomechanical Model Testing
Biomechanical Model Testing
Ligament Olympics Introduction
Ligament Olympics Introduction
Prototype Presentation and Demonstration
Prototype Presentation and Demonstration
Design Process Storyboard Review
Design Process Storyboard Review
31
Day 10
Reflective Journal Drafting
Reflective Journal Drafting
Documentary Reflective Journal
Documentary Reflective Journal
Innovative Exercise Brainstorm
Innovative Exercise Brainstorm
Peer Feedback Workshop
Peer Feedback Workshop
August 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
3
Day 11
Improve
Biomechanics Analysis Kick-off
Biomechanics Analysis Kick-off
Ligament Exercise Refinement Workshop
Ligament Exercise Refinement Workshop
Ligament Biomechanics Presentation
Ligament Biomechanics Presentation
4
Day 12
Peer Feedback Circles
Peer Feedback Circles
Storyboard Enhancement Session
Storyboard Enhancement Session
Reflective Journaling Workshop
Reflective Journaling Workshop
5
Day 13
Share
Creative Presentation Workshop
Creative Presentation Workshop
Reflective Documentary Brainstorm Session
Reflective Documentary Brainstorm Session
Biomechanics Reflection Journal
Biomechanics Reflection Journal
Enhanced Ligament Exercise Presentation
Enhanced Ligament Exercise Presentation
Storyboard Enhancement Review
Storyboard Enhancement Review
6
Day 14
Ligament Olympics Presentation
Ligament Olympics Presentation
Reflective Documentary
Reflective Documentary
Peer Feedback Circle
Peer Feedback Circle
Final Presentation Rehearsal
Final Presentation Rehearsal
7
Day 15
10
Day 16
11
Day 17
12
Day 18
13
Day 19
14
Day 20