Introduction
Today we are going to become engineers for three of the U.S.A.'s symbols: the American flag, bald-eagle, and the Liberty Bell.
The first thing we will do is define the problem, so we know what it is we will need to solve.
Then we will do some background research to learn more about the U.S.A. symbols we will be problem solving for.
We'll have to specify exactly what requirement we will need to have for our U.S.A. symbol from our research.
We will then brainstorm a solution that we can develop a prototype for and test.
If the test shows that our solution meets everything needed, we can create a demonstration to show to others. If not, we will want to go back to brainstorming and try another prototype.
Task
Oh, no! Check out these three problems!
Choose one to brainstorm over as you research.
Our school's flag pole was swept up by a tornado! Principal Leiker needs your help to create a new one. However, Principal Leiker doesn't want to be harmful to the environment and instead wants to only use recycled paper. Can you find out why the American Flag is so important to be hung at school and design a prototype for our new flag pole out of paper?
A bald eagle has landed at SFT elementary, but its wing is hurt. Principal Leiker says that the zoo doesn't have enough room for the eagle to live there, so the eagle will need to live on SFT's playground! How could you redesign the SFT playground to provide all the needs for the eagle, but still have room for the children to play?
The president of the U.S.A. heard about how we were building a save environment for the eagle and wanted to thank us by giving our school the liberty bell. Principal Leiker is excited to hang it at the school, but the bell needs a stand to hold the bell in place. Principal Leiker wants our stand to be environmentally friendly, so she wants us to create a stand out of recycled straws. Do you think you're up for the task?
Choose which problem you would like to solve and let's begin our research. Make sure to research all U.S.A. symbols, since they will be at SFT.
Process
Evaluation
After you have completed your research think about what requirements you will need for the engineering challenge you chose. Why is that symbol so important? What will that symbol need?
Then brainstorm a solution and create a diagram of your solution to the problem. Make sure to label your diagram and specify any needed materials.
After your diagram has been checked by the teacher, you may begin your prototype.
Test your prototype. Did it work?
If so, create a short iMovie explain the importance of your American symbol and what you did to solve the problem with it.
If not, go back to brainstorming and recreate a diagram. Work through the steps again until your solution works. Then you may create a short iMovie discussing your solution.
For an added challenge, go back and see if you can't solve another problem.