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Plan
Week 1
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Activities
Project Launch: Energy Exploration Fair - Students rotate through interactive stations in the school makerspace to experiment with different forms of energy and machine components. The Director of Innovation leads demonstrations to highlight key energy concepts. (50 min)
Design Challenge Day - Students work in teams to brainstorm and sketch initial ideas for their Rube Goldberg machines, guided by the essential question of maximizing efficiency. Peers and the Director of Innovation provide feedback on their initial sketches. (50 min)
Machine Concept Hackathon - Facilitate a collaborative session where students use various materials to prototype parts of their Rube Goldberg machines, fostering creativity and teamwork. (50 min)
Building Simple Machines Workshop - Engage students in a hands-on workshop where they build simple machines like levers and pulleys to understand mechanical advantage and energy transfer, guided by the Director of Innovation. (50 min)
Deliverables
1. Students will complete initial sketches of their Rube Goldberg machine designs, incorporating feedback received during 'Design Challenge Day'.
2. Each student will maintain a design journal with entries documenting daily progress, challenges, and solutions.
3. Teams will develop prototypes of individual components of their machines, tested during 'Prototype Testing Day'.
4. Students will gather peer and expert feedback from the feedback wall and 'Prototype Testing Day' to refine their designs.
Preparation 1. Arrange the school makerspace with interactive stations for the 'Energy Exploration Fair', including necessary materials for energy experiments.
2. Coordinate with the Director of Innovation to lead demonstrations and provide expert feedback during activities.
3. Gather and organize materials for prototyping, such as cardboard, rubber bands, string, small pulleys, and levers.
4. Prepare design journals for each student to document sketches, feedback, and reflections throughout the project.
5. Set up a feedback wall in the classroom for students to post questions and challenges.
Week 2
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Activities
Prototype Testing Day - Students test machine components in front of peers and the Director of Innovation, gathering input on performance and areas for refinement. (30 min)
Feedback Wall Session - Students post questions or challenges on the Feedback Wall, and peers provide suggestions and solutions. (20 min)
Design Iteration Workshop - Students revisit initial sketches and incorporate feedback to make adjustments, guided by the Director of Innovation. (50 min)
Mini-Challenges for Efficiency - Conduct mini-challenges where students optimize machine components for efficiency, documenting their process in design journals. (25 min)
Peer Review Circles - Students exchange constructive critiques on design journals, focusing on problem-solving strategies and efficiency improvements. (25 min)
Final Assembly and Testing - Students assemble their Rube Goldberg machines and conduct final tests to ensure functionality and efficiency. (30 min)
Reflective Discussion - Students articulate how their understanding of energy and machine concepts evolved and prepare for the Innovation Expo. (20 min)
Deliverables
1. Refined and functional Rube Goldberg machine prototype.
2. Updated design journal entries documenting the design process, refinements, and scientific principles applied.
3. Feedback received from peers and the Director of Innovation during the critique session.
4. A documentary video detailing the design and construction process.
5. Rehearsed presentation and demonstration plan for the Innovation Expo.
Preparation 1. Ensure all necessary materials and tools are available in the makerspace for prototype refinement and final assembly.
2. Set up a designated area for testing Rube Goldberg machines safely and efficiently.
3. Organize a feedback form and rubric for the design critique session to guide constructive feedback.
4. Prepare AV equipment for recording and editing the documentary video.
5. Coordinate with the Director of Innovation for their involvement in the critique and iteration sessions.
6. Arrange the space for the Innovation Expo, including stations for machine demonstrations and video screenings.