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High School Grade  Project 5 weeks

Go Kart Creation: Build, Clean, Diagnose!

Gabriel R
Updated
Content Expertise
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Collaboration
Effective Communication
Self Directed Learning
+ 1 more
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Purpose

Your learning journey will transform a salvaged motor into a functioning go-kart engine, allowing you to delve into mechanical diagnosis and repair. By collaborating with peers and engaging with a community car shop owner, you'll practice critical thinking and problem-solving in real-world contexts. Through reflective journaling and skillful communication, you'll showcase your project's progression and outcomes, culminating in a lively 'Go Kart Expo' where your learning and craftsmanship will be on display. This project not only advances your technical expertise but elevates your self-directed learning, collaboration, and academic mindset.

Learning goals

By the end of this project, develop a comprehensive understanding of mechanical systems by diagnosing and repairing a salvaged motor for go-kart assembly. Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to innovate and devise solutions for challenges encountered during the project. Enhance collaboration abilities by co-designing the go-kart with peers and involving community partners, such as a local car shop owner. Strengthen effective communication skills by presenting your journey and live demonstrations at the 'Go Kart Expo', while continuously engaging in self-reflection through weekly journal entries to monitor personal growth and learning progress.

Competencies
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • 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.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • 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.

Products

Throughout this project, construct a comprehensive reflection journal documenting the mechanical repair process, diagnostics, and problem-solving strategies. Deliver a detailed presentation and live demonstration of your go-kart assembly, highlighting mechanical diagnostics, repair insights, and lessons learned. Conclude with a 'Go Kart Expo' showcasing your fully assembled, safe, and functional go-kart, engaging with attendees and receiving feedback on your achievements.

Launch

Start your project with a visit to the car shop in El Cajon to observe and assist in basic automotive work, which will familiarize you with the parts and tools. While there, engage in an interactive Q&A session with the car shop owner to gain initial insights about engine mechanics and go-kart assembly. Document the experience and your initial thoughts in your reflection journal, noting any new interests or questions that arise from this engagement.

Exhibition

Arrange a 'Go Kart Expo' where you showcase your finished go-kart to an audience including peers, teachers, and community members. Prepare a live demonstration of your go-kart's functionality, accompanied by a presentation that delves into your journey of diagnosing and assembling the motor. Use this platform to highlight the skills and knowledge you've acquired, and invite feedback from attendees to reflect on your project's impact.