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7 Wonders of the World - Research ~ Engineering Design ~ Construction Project
By Innovations in Technology
In this lesson, students learn more about both the classic Seven Wonders of the World and the “new” Seven Wonders project as they research the history, design and engineering of the wonders. The lesson starts with a whole class Microsoft PowerPoint presentation (editable) to view the Wonders and start discussion. Next, students choose one of the classic and one of the “new” Wonders to research further and create a presentation with that information (using Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides). Optionally, these may be presented to the class. In the next part of the assignment, they design an “Eighth Wonder” of their own (to scale) based on what they learned, using Sketchup (a free CAD program that can be downloaded at: https://www.sketchup.com/ or used as an online tool). After completing the drawing, students build a model of their Wonder to scale using chipboard, cardboard or other materials. The building activity can be done as a team/small group activity if you prefer. Finally, students answer questions to reflect on their learning for this unit. This lesson was designed for middle school (grades 6-8) but could be used in upper elementary grades or high school as well. Materials Required: • Computers with Internet access for each student (or pair of students) • Access to Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides • Access to Sketchup (https://www.sketchup.com/) – either downloaded or online • Building Materials: A variety of materials to construct and decorate the house such as cardboard, chipboard, foam board, balsa wood, construction paper, toothpicks, craft (popsicle) sticks, paint or markers, rulers, scissors, white glue, hot glue (and glue guns), tape, X-acto knives (and blades), etc. Files included: • Teacher & Student Resources • Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation: The Seven Wonders of the World (editable) • Researching Classic and New Wonders: Student Expectations, Instructions and Grading Rubric • Designing an “Eighth Wonder” in Sketchup: Student Expectations, Instructions and Grading Rubric • Sketchup Tutorial (step-by-step instructions with screen shots) • Team Sign Up Sheet • Building Project: Student Expectations, Instructions and Grading Rubric • Reflection Questions Remember to leave feedback for credits on future purchases! ************************************************************************** Connect with us for free technology tips, resources and curriculum: Follow our blog Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Pinterest Visit our Website
Sound Engineering - Design & Build a Musical Instrument
By Innovations in Technology
Put the STEAM in STEM with this unit! Sound Engineering is a Project Based Learning unit that teaches students the physics and basic concepts of sound engineering, especially as it relates to music. This lesson can be used in Career and Technology classes, Science classes, or Music classes. I have used it with an 8th grade Engineering class.
Students start the unit by reading information about the topic from a handout and answering questions about the reading, as well as defining terms related to sound engineering. In the next phase of the project, they work with a team to utilize a Slinky toy to replicate wave patterns and analyze them. Finally, they work with a team to research and build a musical instrument that demonstrates their learning of the topic. The unit ends with a written reflection on the project.
Files Included with this Unit:
1. Teacher Resources
2. Physics of Sound Reading
3. Introduction to Sound Engineering (research and vocabulary) – includes answer key
4. Slinky Waves – group lab expectations and student worksheet
5. Team sign-up sheet
6. Musical Instrument Building Project – student expectations and resources
7. Team planning sheet (2 versions, color & black and white)
8. Teacher evaluation tracking sheet
9. Project Written Reflection
I hope your students enjoy it!
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⭐ Digital Engineering Notebook - Fully Editable in PowerPoint & Google Slides
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Exploring Careers: STEM Science, Technology, Engineering & Math
By Innovations in Technology
This career unit gives students an introduction to the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) career cluster and what a career in this field would be like. This is perfect for a career, technology, CTE or business class.
The included PowerPoint presentation can be used by the teacher for whole class instruction, or provided to the students electronically (or as a printout) for them to review individually. Students use close reading skills with a short informational passage to learn about the career field and answer questions to use critical thinking skills and demonstrate their understanding. Two different puzzles are included to learn different jobs in the career and to reinforce vocabulary skills. An individual research project to learn more about a famous scientist using Microsoft PowerPoint (or Google Slides) offers students an opportunity for a real-life look into this career. A group lesson to use the Engineering Design Process and build a catapult is provided to simulate the career and allow students to utilize critical thinking skills and teamwork. Finally, a short reflection questionnaire gives students the opportunity to reflect and analyze their learning as they determine if this career field is of interest to them.
The project was created for grades 7-8 but could easily be used with high school students. The teacher can choose to use some or all of the provided lesson options included in this resource.
This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.
Files Included with this Lesson
• Teacher & Student Notes and Resources
• Introduction to Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Careers PowerPoint presentation (editable)
• Introduction to Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Careers Research Reading and Questions
• Vocabulary Crossword Puzzle (includes answer key)
• Job Type Word Search Puzzle (includes answer key)
• Research Project - Famous Scientist: Project expectations, resources, and rubric
• Catapult Challenge Group Project Instructions, Worksheet and Rubric
• Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Career Reflection Questions (MS Word)
This lesson is a part of the bundle Exploring Careers: 16 Career Cluster Units BUNDLE
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⭐ Digital Engineering Notebook - Fully Editable in PowerPoint & Google Slides
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Learning about the Engineering Design Process
By Innovations in Technology
Learning the Engineering Design Process includes a variety of hands-on lessons to help students understand how engineers work and encourage record keeping in project based learning.
In these lessons, students are provided with a short matching activity to learn the vocabulary words associated with the Engineering Design Process. A printable template for the Engineering Design Process lets individuals or teams plan their project and follow the steps as the project progresses. Another version of the template gives hints about what students do at each step, which is perfect for differentiation. These can be used with any classroom project, but the lesson includes 12 task cards with different engineering scenarios that are great for students to use to brainstorm and plan a solution. Also included is a sample lesson with rubric for use with the cards.
A PowerPoint presentation of the Engineering Design Process is included with the lesson to introduce the concept to the class prior to starting the lessons, as well as links to other resources to enrich the learning experience.
Files Included with this Lesson
• Teacher Notes and Resources
• PowerPoint presentation
• Vocabulary Matching Activity (with answer key)
• Engineering Design Process printable template (includes version with hints)
• Student Expectations, Project Instructions and Rubric
• Engineering Design Process scenario cards (12) includes blanks for customization
I've used this primarily with 8th graders, but it would work well for grades 5-9. I hope your students enjoy!
Related Products
⭐ The Physics of Bridges
⭐ The Physics of Amusement Park Rides
⭐ Real World Math - How Engineers Use Math
Remember to leave feedback for credits on future purchases!
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