MAIS K-6 Science Inquiry, Investigation, and Design Technology - All in the Balance Qui... - 1 views
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Ashley Stewart on 15 Feb 12The Design Process: Identify a need or problem to be solved; brainstorm potential solutions; throughout the entire design process, document the design with drawings (including labels) in a portfolio or notebook so that the process can be replicated; select a solution to the need or problem; select the most appropriate materials to develop a solution that will meet the need; evaluate and test the design. This activity can be adapted for gifted students by allowing them to first draw a blueprint of their model. This will allow them to make predictions and hypothesis about their cube model and their tag board model. These students can then record their observations and their conclusions about their final product. This activity can also be adapted for younger grades by giving the students more materials to help them balance their models. Also, allowing the younger students to work in partners, rather than pairs, will allow them to more freely express their ideas. Working with a partner will give each student the opportunity to make sure their ideas are heard. For younger students, omitting the blueprint may also be helpful. Rather, having the students simply draw a picture of their model with labels may be more appropriate.
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Children use styrofoam cubes to design and construct an object that will balance on your finger. Also, another challenge can be given to the students after completing the first challenge. Students use tag board to design and construct a model figure that will balance on a high wire. Students should draw their own blueprint to illustrate what they did and what they discovered.
