PATHWAY BASED ON SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS
Constructing and thinking 3D – How to become an engineer?
Goals:
- Introducing the concepts – 3D constructions, engineer, engineering, prototype, design.
- Extending the knowledge about the possibilities of using different geometrical shapes and materials to construct 3D models
- Exploring the interrelatedness between the construction stability (strength) and its shape and materials used to build it
- Developing imagination and ability to think in 3D
- Developing the eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills
- Strengthening the ability to recognize one’s own technical capabilities
Intended Learning Outcomes
The child will be able to:
- explain the concepts: 3D constructions, engineer, engineering, prototype, design;
- design different construction independently with the materials provided by teacher;
- observe and explain the relations between materials/ shapes and the effectiveness of a construction;
- recognize basic geometrical shapes (triangle, square, rectangle etc.)
- to use simple engineering tools to construct 3D model of a nest/ solar oven etc.
- test the constructed models and evaluate their qualities – stability, effectiveness
The structure of the learning pathway
Stage I
Challenges for the beginning – what skills are needed to become an engineer? Introducing the concepts of „engineer”, construction in 3D, prototype, design. Exploring the relations between construction’s stability (strength) and materials or geometrical shapes used. Using different materials to design and build the 3D models of reality:
- Spaghetti & Marshmallow tower
- Building structures with jelly beans or (according to teachers’ choice)
- Engineering with Play dough
Stage II
Engineer in the kitchen – constructing with food
Building construction from food ingredients – becoming aware of the possibilities to design different structures, to use and link/ connect different elements together to achieve the desired design.
Stage III
Advanced challenges – atypical constructions and everyday engineering
building the construction helpful in everyday life – like solar oven, a ramp for rolling something. Observing nature – a genius engineer/ constructor!
Assessment
Initial – drawing mind-map together – to activate the children’s knowledge (What does the engineer do? What do you need to know/ be able to do to become an engineer?
Ongoing – described in every resource
Final assessment Self-evaluation of one’s own engineering skills/ abilities – on a paper chart prepared by a teacher children draw a sign +/ -/ ? while answering the question „Can I be an engineer?”
| What can I do? | Yes + | No – | I am not sure? |
| Can I think in 3D? | |||
| Can I measure the length? | |||
| Can I recognize the geometrical shapes: triangle, rectangle, circle etc.? | |||
| Can I use different shapes to design a building or structure? | |||
| Can I draw a perfect line without using a ruler? | |||
| Can I explain what is a prototype? | |||
| Can I explain why the structure is stable or unstable? |