$5 - $10 9th Grade Engineering Projects

The “Physics of Bridges” project utilizes research skills, MS Word, and Sketchup (free CAD software download) to allow students to build skills in those programs along with skills in Internet research, reading, writing and critical thinking. In these projects, students research information about bridge design and the physics behind them. They create a scale model drawing of a bridge using Sketchup (CAD) and then brainstorm with their team to determine the best design to build from specific provided materials that they “purchase” using a set budget with the goal of building the most attractive, strongest bridge for the least cost. They utilize the software simulation “West Point Bridge Designer” (free download) to assist them in their learning. Finally, they reflect on their learning and the dynamics of their team to complete the project.

The project was created for grades 7-8 but could easily be adapted for younger or older students.

Files Included with this Lesson

• Teacher Notes and Resources

• Bridge Project Overview & Expectations

• Bridge Questions and Vocabulary (includes teacher key)

• Bridge Research project

• WestPoint Bridge Designer Project Instructions and Expectations

• Bridge Building Challenge Expectations (includes Sketchup/CAD assignment)

• Materials Planning & Price Sheet

• Construction Evaluation Sheet

• Material Control Sheet

• Written Reflection Assignment (MS Word or other word processing)

• 3 Customizable Certificates for Challenge Winners

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⭐ The Physics of Geodesic Domes - STEM Design and Construction Project
⭐ The Physics of Windmills

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In this project based learning unit, middle school/early high school students learn about city planning and architecture as they research and design their own city. In addition to using Internet search skills, they'll utilize CAD skills using Sketchup (free download) and finally build the city from chipboard and other recyclables and name their final creation. .

Unit download includes:

1. Teacher Resources and Materials List

2. Expectations and Overview of the Unit

3. Introduction to City Planning (research and vocabulary) – includes key

4. “What’s in the City” – team worksheet

5. Project Proposal – group planning worksheet

6. Create the City in SketchUp (CAD)

7. Building the City Information (hands on construction)

8. Student Team Work Log

9. Student Daily Work Log

10. Building scale information and examples

11. Sketchup and Building Examples

12. Project Written Reflection

I've used this lesson with an 8th grade Engineering class and every year students start work on this BEFORE the bell they enjoy it so much! I know your classes will enjoy it too!

Related Products
⭐ Digital Engineering Notebook - Fully Editable in PowerPoint & Google Slides
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The “Physics of Windmills” project utilizes research skills, MS Word, and Sketchup (free CAD software download) to allow students to build skills in those programs along with skills in Internet research, reading, writing and critical thinking. In these projects, students research information about how windmills work and the physics behind them. They create a scale model drawing of a windmill using Sketchup (CAD) and then brainstorm with their team to determine the best design to build from recycled materials. Finally, they reflect on their learning and the dynamics of their team to complete the project.

The project was created for grades 7-8 but could easily be adapted for younger or older students.

Files Included with this Lesson

• Teacher Notes and Resources

• Windmill Project Overview & Expectations

• Windmill Research project (includes teacher key)

• Team Planning Sheet

• Team Sign Up Sheet

• Sketchup (CAD) drawing project expectations and rubric (Sketchup or another CAD program)

• Windmill Testing Score Sheet

• Written Reflection Assignment (MS Word or other word processing)

Related Products
⭐ The Physics Behind Tensegrity Structures - STEM Building & Research Activity
⭐ The Physics of Amusement Park Rides
⭐ The Physics of Geodesic Domes - STEM Design and Construction Project
⭐ The Physics of Bridges

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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

In this lesson, students learn more about architecture as they research the history of different architectural styles, and learn about the creators of those designs. The lesson starts with a whole class Microsoft PowerPoint presentation (editable) to view the styles and start discussion. Next, students choose one of the styles to research further and create a presentation with that information. Optionally, these may be presented to the class. In the next part of the assignment, they design a house of their own (to scale) in the style they researched 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 house to scale using chipboard, cardboard or other materials. 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.

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:

• Teacher & Student Resources

• Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation: Architectural Styles (editable)

• Researching an Architectural Style Project: Student Expectations, Instructions and Grading Rubric

• Designing a House in Sketchup: Student Expectations, Instructions and Grading Rubric

• Sketchup Tutorial (step-by-step instructions with screen shots)

• Building Project: Student Expectations, Instructions and Grading Rubric

• Reflection Questions

Related Products
⭐ Exploring Careers: Architecture & Construction
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⭐ Famous Architects & Their Place in History - Research & PowerPoint Project

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This career unit gives students an introduction to the engineering ethics using a variety of case studies for student analysis. This is perfect for middle school or high school engineering, career, technology, CTE or business classes.

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 work with a partner or in small groups to analyze engineering cases that dealt with ethical concerns. Resources for the six cases are included in the PowerPoint and as printable or digital task cards. The activity can be completed on the computer or without computer access if the teacher prefers by printing out the linked information. Students use critical thinking skills and teamwork to research and analyze the cases and then answer questions to consider the different ethical issues and choices. Then, each group shares that information with the class, encouraging further discussion and analysis. Finally, a short reflection questionnaire gives students the opportunity to reflect and analyze their learning more deeply as they consider the input from other groups and their insight on different case studies.

The project was created for grades 7-8 but could easily be used with high school students.

Files Included with this Lesson

• Teacher & Student Resources

• Introduction to Engineering Ethics PowerPoint presentation (editable)

• Case Study Team Project Instructions, Expectations and Grading Rubric

• Team Case Study Questions/Worksheet

• Case Study Task Cards (6 different cases)

• Engineering Ethics Reflection Questions (MS Word)

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⭐ Exploring Careers: STEM Science, Technology, Engineering & Math
⭐ Digital Engineering Notebook - Fully Editable in PowerPoint & Google Slides

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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!

Related Products
⭐ Creating and Editing Audio & Music in Audacity
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⭐ Digital Engineering Notebook - Fully Editable in PowerPoint & Google Slides

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