Forging Ideas: Bridging Trades and Innovation

7th Grade

Project
4 weeks

Forging Ideas: Bridging Trades and Innovation

Carlos C

Purpose

Explore the interconnected roles of blacksmiths, welders, technical engineers, and architects in solving real-world problems through hands-on experiences. Gain insights into the creative and technical processes of each profession while developing your own problem-solving skills. By engaging in this project, you will build a deeper understanding of how different trades and professions collaborate to create functional and innovative designs.

Learning goals

Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by analyzing the techniques and processes used by blacksmiths, welders, technical engineers, and architects. Enhance collaboration and communication abilities through group discussions and presentations. Gain hands-on experience in metalworking and model-building to deepen understanding of material properties and design principles. Strengthen the ability to reflect on personal growth and learning through the creation of a visual timeline.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.9: Analyze how two or more authors writing about the same topic shape their presentations of key information by emphasizing different evidence or advancing different interpretations of facts.
Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.G.B.6: Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving area, volume, and surface area of two- and three-dimensional objects composed of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, cubes, and right prisms.
NGSS - 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.

Products

Throughout the project, create a series of sketches and design plans that explore the techniques and styles of blacksmithing, welding, engineering, and architecture. By the end, construct a small-scale model or prototype that demonstrates your understanding of these disciplines, incorporating elements from each field. Document your design process in a project journal, capturing your reflections and insights as you progress.

Launch

Kick off the project with an interactive workshop where you explore the basic principles of blacksmithing, welding, engineering, and architecture. Engage in a hands-on activity by creating a simple design using clay or cardboard to simulate metalwork, allowing you to experiment with shapes and structures. Discuss the roles and tools of each profession, sparking curiosity and setting the stage for deeper exploration throughout the project.

Exhibition

Host an interactive showcase where you present your small-scale models or prototypes to classmates, teachers, and invited community members, including the local blacksmiths. Facilitate a gallery walk where you can view and provide feedback on each other's projects, focusing on the integration of techniques from blacksmithing, welding, engineering, and architecture. Include a Q&A session where you explain your design process, challenges faced, and problem-solving strategies used throughout the project.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Introduction to Project: Participate in an interactive workshop to learn the basic principles of blacksmithing, welding, technical engineering, and architecture. Use hands-on activities with clay or cardboard to simulate metalworking, experimenting with shapes and structures.	Field Trip Preparation: Research and discuss the roles and tools of blacksmiths, welders, engineers, and architects. Develop questions and topics for discussion during the upcoming field trip to the local blacksmith shop.	Field Trip: Visit a local blacksmith shop to observe techniques and tools in action. Engage in a hands-on activity to create a simple metalwork piece and document the experience with notes and sketches.	Reflection and Discussion: Reflect on the field trip experience. Discuss the observed problem-solving approaches of blacksmiths and compare them with welders, engineers, and architects. Collaborate in groups to share insights and observations.	Visual Timeline Creation: Begin developing a visual timeline to track your academic and socio-emotional growth throughout the project. Note key moments of learning and personal development from Week 1.
Deliverables	1. Create a simple metalwork piece during the field trip. 2. Document field trip observations and insights through notes and sketches. 3. Compile key questions and topics for the field trip discussion. 4. Initiate a visual timeline capturing Week 1's learning and growth.
Preparation

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Explore Techniques: Dive deeper into the techniques used by welders and technical engineers. Analyze videos or conduct virtual workshops to understand welding processes, materials, and safety protocols.	Design and Sketch: Begin designing and sketching a small-scale model, applying blacksmithing and welding techniques learned. Use digital tools or graph paper to draft initial design concepts, focusing on problem-solving strategies.	Material Properties Investigation: Investigate the properties of materials used in blacksmithing and welding. Conduct simple experiments to test material strength, flexibility, and durability. Document findings.	Collaboration and Feedback: Collaborate with peers to discuss design ideas and receive constructive feedback on sketches. Reflect on how feedback influences your design process and make necessary adjustments.	Visual Timeline Update: Continue developing your visual timeline, incorporating new insights and socio-emotional growth from Week 2 activities. Highlight challenges faced and problem-solving strategies adopted.
Deliverables	1. Complete initial design sketches for the small-scale model, incorporating techniques from blacksmithing and welding. 2. Document material properties investigation results, noting how these findings influence your design choices. 3. Update the visual timeline with key learning moments and reflections from Week 2.
Preparation

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Integrate Architectural Concepts: Explore the role of architects in design by examining case studies of iconic buildings. Analyze how architects solve design challenges and incorporate elements of form, function, and aesthetics. Use digital tools to create architectural blueprints of your model.	Prototype Development: Begin constructing a prototype of your small-scale model using materials that mimic those used in blacksmithing, welding, and architecture. Pay attention to the integration of techniques from each discipline and the structural integrity of your design.	Iterative Testing: Test the functionality and durability of your prototype. Conduct experiments to observe how different elements of your model perform under stress and make adjustments as needed. Document the testing process and results.	Peer Review and Feedback: Present your prototype to classmates in a peer review session. Gather constructive feedback on design strengths and areas for improvement. Discuss how you can incorporate this feedback into your final iteration.	Visual Timeline Update: Reflect on the week's learning experiences and update your visual timeline. Highlight key achievements, challenges overcome, and strategies employed in refining your model.
Deliverables	1. Create architectural blueprints for your small-scale model. 2. Construct and test a working prototype of your model, documenting the iterative process and outcomes. 3. Present your prototype for peer review, incorporating feedback received. 4. Update the visual timeline with reflections and insights from Week 3.
Preparation

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Finalize Model: Refine your small-scale model or prototype based on the feedback received in Week 3. Ensure that techniques from blacksmithing, welding, engineering, and architecture are well integrated.	Prepare Presentation: Develop a clear and concise presentation to explain your design process, challenges faced, and the problem-solving strategies you employed. Use visual aids, such as slides or posters, to effectively communicate your ideas.	Interactive Showcase Preparation: Organize and set up your project display for the interactive showcase. Include your model, design sketches, and any supporting materials that highlight your learning journey.	Gallery Walk and Feedback: Facilitate a gallery walk where you can view and provide feedback on classmates' projects. Focus on the integration of techniques across disciplines and the creativity of solutions presented.	Reflective Timeline Completion: Finalize your visual timeline that tracks your academic and socio-emotional growth throughout the project. Highlight key learning moments and personal development milestones.
Deliverables	1. Complete and present the final small-scale model or prototype, incorporating feedback and demonstrating an understanding of all disciplines. 2. Deliver a presentation that articulates your design process and problem-solving strategies. 3. Set up your project exhibit for the interactive showcase. 4. Finalize and submit your visual timeline, capturing reflections and insights from the entire project.
Preparation