The influenza virus is a deadly human pathogen. It undergoes rapid genetic mutations during its life cycle and as a result renders annual immunizations necessary. This unit will introduce students to the genetics of influenza virus and other relevant knowledge, such as vaccine development and effectiveness. Students will perform research using publicly available epidemiology data…
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Using Flint’s water emergency as the back story, student teams will design, build, test, and evaluate a two-stage filter to remove lead from contaminated water. The 1st stage precipitates out the lead; the 2nd stage removes the precipitate from the water. Understanding and applying chemistry principles of molecular polarity of cell membranes, solubility, and precipitates…
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Students will be able to show their knowledge of the standard by creating various design challenges that show mastery of the standard. The goal of the unit is for students to learn the cycles and patterns of motion between Earth and the Sun, and how seasons result from these cycles and patterns. Students will demonstrate…
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Student teams are challenged to genetically alter a Superhero so that the Superhero is able to conquer a major disaster facing the nation. In order to effectively overcome the disaster, students will acquire knowledge of the disaster and the skills needed to be successful. Then, student groups will be provided with a list of potential…
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In this unit, students will investigate the effects of an impact force on the human body system, and design a method of protection from harmful contact. Students will apply knowledge of human tissues and genetic disorders, impact forces and materials analysis to design a protective gear system that can withstand the effects of multiple impact…
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As we proceed into the future, space exploration is becoming an essential part of our own growth as humans. Space exploration requires innovative, creative, adaptable people to develop the technology necessary for these grand endeavors into new environments. Specifically, the first settlers on Mars will have to use technology developed on Earth in order to…
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In most car accidents, the bumper is the first point of impact and defense. The better the bumper is designed, the less possibility for damage and injury. Impact barriers, such as the barrels you see at a highway exit or the barriers separating oncoming traffic, are also important for limiting vehicle damage or human injuries.…
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Students conduct scientific investigations and use the engineering design process to solve a problem related to an adaptation of the story of Little Red Riding Hood. The scientific investigations engage students in gaining knowledge about light and sound, materials, data collection and analysis, and human performance. Students create and test their own safety vest for…
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Preschool and Kindergarten Unit In this unit, students will conduct scientific investigations and use the engineering design process to solve a problem related to the nursery rhyme: “Humpty Dumpty”. The scientific investigations will engage students in understanding weather patterns, recognizing signs of impending weather, sorting and describing materials, and building strong structures. The students will…
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Microelectromechanical systems, or MEMS, are a crucial, yet little understood part of our everyday lives. MEMS are very small devices which can be found in printers, air bags, smartphones, game controllers, TVs, and many other types of household items. This STEM unit will introduce students to the world of MEMS through a very important type of MEMS –…
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