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Testing the Caverns
Learners build model caverns using paper mache or clay and bury them in a tray of sand. They test the models by dropping balls onto them to simulate an asteroid hitting the earth. They evaluate the effectiveness of a structure against...
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Creating The Blueprints
Students engage in a lesson in order to create blueprints to design an original floorplan. They use graphing paper and drawing tools to demonstrate knowledge of the lesson objectives. Students label and use the right kind of proportions...
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Got Dirty Air?
Students study air pollution and its effect on air quality. In this environmental science and engineering lesson, students watch a demonstration of incomplete combustion as it contributes to air pollution, study the importance of air,...
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The Little Transistor That Could
Students explore the nature of technology through the history of the transistor. They examine how the engineers at the Bell Labs used knowledge of science and technology, together with strategies of design, to solve practical problems.
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Innovations That Stand the Test of Time
Students create a class presentation that explains the value of an innovation to society. In this design innovation lesson, students discuss relationships among math, science, technology, and engineering, read a story about design...
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TE Activity: A Merry-Go-Round for Dirty Air
Students observe a simulation of a cyclone to examine a method of pollutant recovery in cleaning industrial air pollution. They examine how engineers develop technology to reduce air pollution and determine percentages for technology...
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Charge It!
Students complete an experiment using balloons to help them examine the concept of static electricity. They discover how engineers use this information to create better air filters for homes. They describe how to charge an insulator as...
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Washing Air
Students observe a model of a wet scrubber. They discuss this and other methods of pollutant recovery. They discover how engineers use this information to protect the environment.
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Issues Awareness
Pupils work together to create a survery about environmental issues in their community. They calculate and graph the results. They discuss the importance of surveys to engineers.
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TE Activity: Write On!
Learners write a book, newspaper, or other chose published writing that explains the connection between engineering and the environment. They determine why engineers need to be good communicators.
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Composting -- Nature's Disappearing Act
Studenst work together to discover the concept of biodegradability. They build a model of a landfill and how different items decompose. They examine how engineers use this information for better waste management.
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Ready to Erupt!
Students observe a visual representation of a volcano erupting. They measure and sketch the volcano and discuss how engineers use this information. They discover the type of equipment used to indicate an eruption.
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Scale Model of the Earth
Students work together to create a model of the Earth. They label and identify each layer and describing its properties. They discover how engineers use models to test different concepts.
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TE Activity: Build Your Own Mobile
Students inquire into how the center of mass is the key factor in designing cars. They construct an oddly shaped object and determine its center of mass. They find that engineers are able to predict how objects will behave while they are...
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Does Contact Area Matter?
Learners work together to design and implement an experiment on friction. They test to see if contact area affects the amount of friction. They discover how engineers use friction to make certain products better.
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How Do Things Fall?
Students observe falling objects. They discover the rate of falling is based on air resistance and not the weight of the objects. They discuss how engineers use this type of information to design aerodynamic shapes.
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Water Filtration
Students work together to examine the role of water in their lives. They discover the process to clean water so it is clean for one to drink. They explore the role of environmental engineers and their problem of getting clean water to...
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TE Activity: The Boxes Go Mobile
Students create a mobile of boxes and cubes that they made in a previous lesson that can be accessed from this page. They design the mobile using method that an engineer would use to balance the items based on surface areas and volumes.
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Construction Worker Book
Students examine simple tools that are used in everyday life. In this construction worker tools lesson, students decide which tools should be used to solve the construction worker's problems in a manner that demonstrates the Simple...
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Highway Design for the Future
Eighth graders research highway designs and create a marble maze to illustrate a highway system. They test their designs and write reports defining the project and analyzing the results.
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How Far Will It Roll?
Students construct a car with the longest roll using a ramp. They construct Lego cars, modify the wheel sizes and car configurations to evaluate which car design rolls the longest distance, develop a graph, and complete a worksheet.
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Bridge Design and Bridge Building
Seventh graders conduct an investigation into the design of bridges and their construction. Students design bridges and draw detailed plans. For assessment they construct a model of a bridge that is made entirely of toothpicks. Students...
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Build A Birdhouse
Students work together to design and build a birdhouse. They research a bird of their choice and build the birdhouse that means that bird's specifications. They discover the importance of designing.
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Information Security Basics
Students explore the five steps to becoming a security expert. In this information security instructional activity, students complete a tutorial and problem solve case studies to identify proper online procedures and safety.