Summary
Students were presented with a design challenge that required them to access previously learned knowledge about communities, specifically transportation. They worked collaboratively to design a functioning vehicle that met design brief criteria. Students employed critical thinking and problem solving skills to utilize recycled materials to create their vehicle. Throughout the design process, students had to reflect and adjust their design to create a successful product. Through the use of digital tools (Photobooth, Activinspire, Activsound) students reflected upon their group process, their work process, and planned for subsequent successes.
TIPC Ratings
This category was not the focus of the lesson, therefore it was not measured.
The students formed their own teams and worked collaboratively to create a working vehicle (final product) using an assortment of recycled materials. They were engaged in a working conversation as they moved through the process. They recorded their process, including challenges, on their recording sheet. They videotaped themselves sharing the process that led them to their final product. These steps prepared the students for subsequent challenges.
The students used critical thinking skills and problem solving skills to create a working vehicle that met the established criteria. They recorded their process on paper and then videotape the presentation of their final product. The teacher moved from group to group, initiating conversation that allowed students to work through problems with their vehicle. This encouraged students to continue meaningful conversation throughout the process.
The teacher initiated a lesson format that allowed students to choose their team and their environment. The students were given an opportunity to synthesize previously taught information about Communities Past and Present through KWL charts, class discussions, trade books, videos and websites. During this construction process, the teacher used higher level questioning skills to challenge students as they created a working product. The teams worked through problems to create an original, working product.
