In this unit, students will investigate the concepts of genetic mutation and genetic engineering. They will construct a phylogenetic tree based upon genomic point mutations, research genetic engineering and genetically modified organisms, participate in a class debate, and create a persuasive artifact on the ethics of genetic engineering. To Download this unit, you MUST download [...]
This lesson is designed to be done independently, consecutively, or concurrently with the Rolling Resistance, Transmission, Electric Power Source, and Electric Motor Lessons for the Electric Vehicle (EV) Unit. Power efficiency is the goal of all good environmentally conscious designs. As you will see throughout the EV unit, there are many factors that influence this [...]
Although the sun is the primary source of energy for all life, it can also be considered a toxin. The essence of this lesson is to have students understand that a toxin is a poisonous substance and that the sun is an example of a toxin. Students will be introduced to other toxins including ones [...]
Students will investigate and explore the use of solar energy as a means to heat a home. In order to understand how solar energy can be harnessed, students will define solar energy, explore photovoltaic cells, and investigate passive solar energy. After gaining understanding about the concepts of solar energy, students will build a solar-heated model [...]
In partnership with an NSF:RET grant and the University of Dayton the Dayton Regional STEM Center presents the following unit. In this lesson student are given specific constraints in which they apply energy transformations while designing a water collection and transport system. Teams of students will collaborate to assist community gardeners, especially the handicap, collect [...]
This activity will familiarize students with the history of aircraft propulsion beginning with the modeling of a vehicle using a propeller as a means of propulsion. The goal is to allow students to design an aircraft using specific materials that utilize air propulsion from a balloon as a means to travel. Using tools of measurement [...]
The lesson will focus on how the principles of flight are demonstrated in nature and how nature can provide models for man-made air vehicles. Mankind has learned (and is learning) a great deal by observing living organisms in attempt to replicate their physical abilities. The intent of this lesson is to leverage the students’ interest [...]
Students will learn that Earth’s capacity to absorb and recycle water naturally can be altered by the actions of humans and technology. In this lesson students will learn that people and their actions can harm our drinking water supply. Students should get a clear understanding that what happens above the ground can potentially end up [...]
In this activity the students will: explore volume and pitch through their interactions with sound tools; use sound meters to record sound levels of noises they commonly hear to learn that the volume of sound can be measured in decibels; observe an object vibrating and hear the sound it generates; explore that the same vibrating [...]
Tires and Tracks Build Instructions Physical Science Grade band 3-5 – Benchmark C: Describe the forces that directly affect objects and their motion. Science and Technology Grade band 3-5 – Benchmark B: Describe and illustrate the design process. Scientific Inquiry Grade band 3-5 – Benchmark B: Organize and evaluate observations, measurements and other data to [...]
