Plan
| Week 1 |
Day 1
|
Day 2
|
Day 3
|
Day 4
|
Day 5
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Physics in Action Workshop - Engage students in hands-on demonstrations to explore tension, compression, and load distribution using simple materials. Facilitate group activities for intuitive exploration of these forces. (45 min)
|
Physics Principles Lab - Conduct experiments demonstrating tension, compression, and load distribution using everyday materials to simulate forces on a bridge. (25 min)
|
Conceptual Bridge Design - Students sketch initial bridge designs, applying physics principles from previous activities. Encourage peer discussions to refine ideas. (30 min)
Reflection Journal Setup - Create a reflection journal for documenting progress, challenges, and learning insights throughout the project. (15 min)
|
Material Exploration and Selection - Investigate different recycled materials for bridge construction, considering their strength and weight. Discuss material efficiency. (25 min)
Initial Design Critique - Peer review session where students present their conceptual designs and receive feedback to refine their ideas. (20 min)
|
Visit to Local Science Museum - Engage with community partners at the museum to learn about real-world bridge engineering and receive input on initial designs. (45 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Completed simple structures from Day 2's hands-on experiment.
2. Paper bridges designed and tested during Day 3's mini-challenge. 3. Reflection journal entries documenting observations, feedback, and potential design improvements from Days 3 and 4. 4. A list of brainstormed design ideas for the final bridge project, generated during Day 5's discussion session. |
||||
| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for the 'Physics in Action' workshop, including rubber bands, paper clips, string, and demonstration tools.
2. Prepare straw and paper kits for the Day 2 experiment, ensuring each group has enough materials. 3. Assemble paper and tape supplies for the Day 3 mini-challenge, making sure there is enough for all students. 4. Create a structured peer review feedback form to guide Day 4's peer review session. 5. Develop reflection journal templates for students to document their learning journey and reflections throughout the week. |
||||
| Week 2 |
Day 6
|
Day 7
|
Day 8
|
Day 9
|
Day 10
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Bridge Design Sketch Review - Students present their initial sketches and discuss improvements based on peer feedback and teacher guidance. Focus on refining structural elements and material choices. (30 min)
Physics Principles Reinforcement - Conduct a mini-lab to revisit tension and compression concepts, allowing students to test their refined designs using small models. (15 min)
|
Material Selection Workshop - Facilitate a hands-on exploration of recycled materials, assessing their strength and weight for bridge construction. Allow students to make final material choices for their designs. (25 min)
Bridge Prototype Construction - Begin assembling the scale model using selected materials, focusing on applying physics principles to optimize strength. (20 min)
|
Prototype Testing - Students conduct preliminary tests on their bridge prototypes, analyzing load distribution and identifying areas for improvement. (20 min)
Reflection Journal Update - Document insights gained from prototype testing and articulate next steps for design revisions. (25 min)
|
Design Critique Session - Organize peer review groups to provide constructive feedback on prototype performance, focusing on material efficiency and physics application. (25 min)
Prototype Revision - Use feedback from critique session to make adjustments and improvements to bridge designs, refining structural elements. (20 min)
|
Local Engineer Workshop - Host a virtual Q&A session with local engineers to discuss real-world applications of bridge engineering and gain professional insights. (30 min)
Final Prototype Adjustments - Incorporate insights from the engineer workshop into final design tweaks and preparations for upcoming tests. (15 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Completed initial bridge design sketches incorporating physics principles.
2. A prototype paper bridge ready for preliminary weight-bearing tests. 3. Reflection journal entries documenting design process and learning insights. 4. Results of initial bridge weight tests with analysis of performance. 5. Peer feedback forms with constructive critiques and suggestions. 6. Revised bridge designs based on peer and self-assessment. |
||||
| Preparation |
1. Gather various types of recycled paper and cardboard materials for bridge construction.
2. Acquire scales for measuring weight capacity of bridges. 3. Set up workstations with cutting tools, rulers, and adhesives. 4. Prepare instructional materials outlining tension, compression, and load distribution principles. 5. Coordinate with local science museum for feedback session scheduling. 6. Prepare reflection journals for each student. 7. Organize resources for peer review sessions, including feedback forms and rubrics. |
||||
| Week 3 |
Day 11
|
Day 12
|
Day 13
|
Day 14
|
Day 15
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Prototype Construction - Begin constructing the bridge prototype using selected recycled materials. Focus on applying tension, compression, and load distribution principles. (45 min)
|
Prototype Testing - Conduct preliminary tests on the bridge prototype to evaluate its stability and strength. Record observations and data. (25 min)
Feedback and Iteration Session - Review test results and gather feedback from peers to identify areas for improvement. Plan adjustments to the prototype. (20 min)
|
Prototype Refinement - Implement the planned adjustments to the bridge design based on feedback and test results. (30 min)
Reflection Journal Entry - Document the process, challenges faced, and solutions applied during the refinement stage. (15 min)
|
Final Testing Preparation - Prepare the bridge prototype for the final weight-bearing test, ensuring all structural components are secure. (20 min)
Peer Review and Critique - Engage in a peer review session to provide and receive constructive feedback on the final prototype. (25 min)
|
Final Prototype Testing - Conduct the final weight-bearing test on the bridge prototype. Record the maximum load and analyze the results. (30 min)
Reflection and Self-Assessment - Reflect on the entire bridge-building process, evaluating personal growth and learning outcomes. Document final insights in the reflection journal. (15 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Completed scale model of a bridge using recycled materials, demonstrating the application of tension, compression, and load distribution.
2. Reflection journal entries documenting the design process, challenges faced, and solutions developed throughout the week. 3. Peer review feedback forms completed by students, providing constructive critiques on each other's bridge designs. 4. Draft posters detailing each group's design process and the physics principles integrated into their bridge construction. 5. Preparation for the Bridge Builders Expo, including a confirmed list of students who will present and their assigned roles during the event. |
||||
| Preparation |
1. Gather recycled materials such as cardboard, paper, and tape for constructing bridge models.
2. Arrange for guest speakers from local engineering firms to discuss real-world applications of bridge design. 3. Prepare peer review worksheets that guide students in providing constructive feedback on bridge designs. 4. Coordinate with the local science museum for the logistics of the upcoming Bridge Builders Expo. 5. Ensure access to computers or tablets for students to research different bridge designs and engineering techniques. 6. Set up a schedule for group critique sessions, allowing time for each group to present and receive feedback. 7. Collect additional resources such as videos and articles on bridge engineering to supplement student research. |
||||
| Week 4 |
Day 16
|
Day 17
|
Day 18
|
Day 19
|
Day 20
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Final Design Review - Students present their final bridge designs to peers for a comprehensive critique session, focusing on physics principles and material efficiency. (25 min)
Reflection Journal Entry - Document feedback received and outline final adjustments needed before testing. (20 min)
|
Bridge Testing Preparation - Ensure all materials and equipment are ready for the final testing of bridge prototypes. Discuss testing protocols and safety measures. (15 min)
Final Prototype Testing - Conduct rigorous tests on bridges to assess load-bearing capacity and structural reliability. Record observations and results. (30 min)
|
Data Analysis and Discussion - Analyze test data to identify strengths and weaknesses in bridge designs. Facilitate group discussions to interpret results and draw conclusions. (25 min)
Reflection Journal Update - Reflect on testing outcomes and articulate lessons learned, including challenges faced and how they were overcome. (20 min)
|
Expo Preparation - Prepare posters detailing the design process, physics principles applied, and testing results. Organize materials and displays for the Bridge Builders Expo. (30 min)
Peer Feedback Session - Exchange feedback on expo materials and presentation strategies, ensuring clarity and engagement. (15 min)
|
Bridge Builders Expo Setup - Transport bridge models and posters to the local science museum. Arrange displays and prepare for interactions with visitors and local engineers. (20 min)
Bridge Builders Expo - Participate in the exhibition, presenting designs and engaging with museum visitors and engineers. Discuss learning journey and receive feedback. (25 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Completed and tested bridge models with documented testing outcomes.
2. Finalized presentation posters detailing design process and principles applied. 3. Participation in the Bridge Builders Expo, including engagement with visitors and receiving feedback from local engineers. 4. Comprehensive reflection journals summarizing the learning journey and self-assessment against project goals and competencies. |
||||
| Preparation |
1. Ensure all testing materials (weights, scales, measuring devices) are available and functional for the final testing phase.
2. Prepare space and resources for peer review sessions, including feedback templates and discussion guidelines. 3. Coordinate with the local science museum to finalize logistics for the Bridge Builders Expo, including display arrangements and visitor engagement strategies. 4. Provide materials for poster creation, such as large paper, markers, and digital tools for design and printing. 5. Set up reflection journals for the final reflection activity, ensuring prompts and self-assessment criteria are clear. |
||||