Engineering Unit Introduction

Class Overview

• Teacher: Mr. Ellis
• Grade: Sixth Grade Science
• Unit: Engineering (Day 1)

Key Concepts

• Difference Between Science and Engineering:

  • Science: Discovering new knowledge (e.g., galaxies, particles).
  • Engineering: Using knowledge to design solutions to problems (e.g., inventing a space shuttle).

• Understanding Engineering:

  • Engineers design not only machines but also medicines and prosthetics.
  • Engineering involves building and sometimes designing without physical construction.

First Challenge: Build a Tower for Glenn the Hedgehog

• Problem Statement:

  • Create a tower tall enough to see Glenn, the hedgehog.

• Design Requirements:

  • Tower must be 15 centimeters tall.
  • Glenn must stay on the tower for 10 seconds.
  • Tower must withstand a 3-second gust of wind.

Materials Provided

• 50 Index Cards
• 1 Foot of Tape
• Optional: Scissors and Ruler (not to be used in the tower)

Engineering Challenge Steps

1. Brainstorming:

   • Groups of 2-3 must brainstorm before building.
   • Write down ideas and share with team members.

2. Building the Tower:

   • Teams have 20 minutes to build after brainstorming.
   • Must work together and respect each other's ideas.
   • Cannot tape the tower to the desk.

3. Criteria for Success:

   • Respectfully communicate within teams.
   • Share materials.
   • Each team member should participate.

Important Rules

• Cannot test the tower before the designated time.
• If the tower fails, it does not mean a failing grade; teamwork and respect are evaluated more.

Presentation of Towers

• Each group will present their tower, measuring height and ensuring it meets the challenge requirements.
• Emphasis on teamwork, respect, and collaboration.

Conclusion

• This is the first engineering challenge with more to follow in the unit.
• Encouragement to learn from failures and successes.