Boats and Buoyancy

thingiverse

This is a detailed lesson plan for teaching physics concepts to students through a hands-on design challenge. Here are some examples of activities and materials that can be used outside of class time: **Outside of Class Time Activities** 1. **Design Challenge**: Encourage students to work on their boat designs at home, using TinkerCAD or other 3D modeling software. 2. **Research and Reading**: Assign students to read articles and watch videos related to the design challenge, such as buoyancy, stability, and wind propulsion. 3. **Prototype Testing**: Allow students to test their prototypes at home, using materials such as cardboard, foam, or other lightweight materials. **Materials** 1. **TinkerCAD Software**: Provide students with access to TinkerCAD software on their personal devices or in the classroom. 2. **3D Printing Materials**: Provide students with access to 3D printing materials, such as PLA or ABS plastic. 3. **Fan and Wind Turbine**: Provide students with a fan and wind turbine to test their designs. 4. **Buoyancy and Density Resources**: Provide students with resources on buoyancy and density, such as the links provided in the references section. **Examples from the Tutorial** 1. **Buoyancy and Density**: Use the "Icebergs and Glaciers" resource to teach students about buoyancy and density. 2. **Wind Power**: Use the "Sailing and Wind Power" resource to teach students about wind power and its applications. 3. **Forces in Motion**: Use the "Bill Nye Forces in Motion" video to teach students about forces in motion. **Class Time Activities** 1. **Design Team Expert**: Assign students roles such as Design Team Expert, Materials Engineer, Architectural Engineer, or Mechanical Engineer. 2. **Imagine: Develop Possible Solutions**: Have students brainstorm solutions individually and then in groups. 3. **Plan: Select a Promising Solution**: Have students combine their ideas into a single promising solution, focused on the previously determined criteria and constraints. 4. **Create: Build a Prototype**: Reinforce the use of TinkerCAD and encourage students to produce a minimally functional product - something that is testable. 5. **Test and Evaluate Prototype**: Give students access to a variety of materials to test their design. Allow students to create their own environment and procedure for testing. 6. **Improve: Redesign as Needed**: Return to TinkerCAD to modify the design based on the test results. **Assessment** 1. **Exit Ticket**: Have students complete an exit ticket to check for understanding and misconceptions, before the next iteration. 2. **Presentations**: Allow students to present their designs in various formats, such as slideshow, document reader, poster, or video. This is a detailed lesson plan that can be adapted to fit the needs of your classroom and students. Be sure to provide clear instructions and guidance throughout the process. Good luck!