"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education." -Martin Luther king Jr.
In the real world, we all encounter problems and try to solve them. If it doesn't work the first time, then we modify our plans to make it work until the problem is solved. Sometimes we can even find a better way to do something. In science, we teach students to do the same; give the students a problem and ask them to solve it. Here they will use their knowledge of science and math to engineer something using technology.
Make a penny canoe
This STEM lab asks students to create a canoe that can hold as much pennies or washers as possible using different material such as aluminum foil or paper. Students then compete against each other to see which canoe holds the most. Topics discussed are properties of matter, density, buoyancy, surface area.
Element super heros
Students researched their element’s properties, protons, electrons, and had to calculate the number of neutrons it has. They had to give their superhero powers. Students who completed phase one of creating a superhero, found sidekicks for their element (covalent bonding). They had to show how they bond and what they can do together.
PAPER ROLLERCOASTER
Students will construct a roller coaster that will include at least 100 cm of track, at least 50 cm high, 1 loop, 1 funnel, and 6 turns. Topics include energy transformations, gravity, friction, and forces in motion.
Rube Goldberg machines
To teach energy transformations (potential, gravitational, stored mechanical, chemical, kinetic, motion, radiant, electromagnetic, mechanical, etc.), students made rube Goldberg machines that could toss a marble in cup. Students were given several items to build their rube Goldberg machines. They had to include at least 5 energy transformations. Student work was recorded on the iPad. Modifications they made were discussed. Students then measured the time it took for their machine to work.