1. Safe Racer Third Grade Engineering Challenge
By: Gina Wade, Arbutus Elementary, 2004

2. PD Presentation Goals The Constructivist approach to learning
Our model for connecting and integrating Science curriculum
The Safe Racer Challenge

3. Constructivist Approach
Learning is
dependent on prior knowledge
concrete
based on experience, hands on
cooperative
Learning experiences are reality based
Teachers act as guides
Students develop understanding for themselves by constructing their own meaning

4. Design & Technology Constructivist approach Based on problem solving
Based on integrating all subject areas
Includes model building
Cooperative learning
Provides for creativity of all individuals

5. PROBLEM SOLVING APPROACH
Problem Solving Loop
1. Identifying the problem
2. Brainstorming solutions
3. Making a plan
4. Creating a model
5. Testing the model
6. Presentation

6. Voluntary State Curriculum Standards
Scientific Inquiry
Access and process information from readings, investigations and/or oral communications
Collect, record and accurately display data collected from investigations
Communicate processes and results from hands-on investigations

7. Voluntary State Curriculum
Critical Thinking
Provide supporting evidence when forming conclusions, devising a plan or solving a practical problem
Modify understandings of scientific ideas based on new information

8. Voluntary State Curriculum
Applications of Science
Apply scientific concepts to make decisions about an identified, relevant science issue
Use scientific knowledge to select and evaluate plans to address science-related problems

9. Voluntary State Curriculum
Technology
Recognize and explain that a model can be used to learn something about an object, event or situation
Design, plan and construction objects
Evaluate and modify designs and products based on performance

10. Presentation of the Problem
Your team’s challenge is to develop a design for a:
Fast, open topped vehicle which will participate in a distance race
Suitable safety equipment to enable the racing driver, Eggbert (raw egg), to survive when his car crashes into a barrier
Team Logo

11. Creating a Plan
Think about what you already know about cars and their safety equipment
Brainstorm
Web ideas
Discuss which ideas might be best
Sketch and label a beginning design of your car

12. Design and Construction
Car
Use wheels and axles provided
Must use recyclable materials
Must have an open top
Body = 4 inches or less in width, 9 inches or less in length, 12 ounces or less in weight
Team logo clearly displayed

13. Design and Construction (cont’d)
Safety Equipment
May include seat belt, helmet, air bag, roll bar
Eggbert’s face must not be covered and must be able to “see the road”
Eggbert must be able to be removed by judges to examine for injury

14. Testing Test your car using the ramp multiple times
Did your egg stay in your car?
Did your egg crack?
Did your car go a long distance?
Can you improve the distance your car traveled?

15. Revising the Plan Listen to any ideas from your teammates
Make changes to your car and safety equipment
Make changes to the original sketch of your car and safety equipment

16. Retesting Rerun the crash and distance tests several times
Did your egg stay in your car?
Did your egg crack?
Did your car go a long distance?
Can you improve the distance your car traveled?

17. Documenting the Design and Construction Process
Write down important information during the activity
Complete the design brief carefully
Be sure to answer all questions completely
Write neatly
Use as much science vocabulary as possible

18. Oral Report
Students will be interviewed by judges and will need to be able to discuss how the car and equipment were designed, constructed and tested.

19. Teachers -
Start your classes !!!!!!!!!!