Possible PBL Idea Grade 8 Production Technology: Designing and Building a Mousetrap-Powered Car Background Production Technology in grade

ade 8 is one of two modules (Control Tech being the other) that can be covered by students. Each is meant to cover a 4-5 month period. This is a project Ive used several times for this course, with some modifications, that covers many of the outcomes associated with Prod. Tech. The basic premise is to have groups of students follow a design process in order to design and build a car capable of being powered by a tension engine- in this case, a mousetrap.

Some introductory goals for students In order to complete the project by following the design process, groups will need to first: o Understand the various types of production processes that exist in terms of how materials are manipulated (combining, separating, synthesizing, forming, etc.) o Know how to safely use the tools available to them in the production process. o Know and understand the properties of various materials and be able to make decisions regarding the most appropriate materials to use for a project. o Understand that many factors go into the decisions that designers make with regards to how products are created and manufactured (e.g.: costs, design limitations). o Understand that design teams work best when everyone has assigned roles to complete and that good communication is a key to success. Students will be required to Show evidence of understanding of the above introductory goals through a series of activities aimed at demonstrating each aspect. Assign roles with within the group for the various tasks to be completed during the process. Identify the problem to be solved, along with any potential limitations. Conduct research into existing designs and present findings. Sketch possible design options, including all necessary measurements. Create a structured method for determining the best solution for development. Using the appropriate materials and a variety of tools available, create a working prototype of the best solution. Test, evaluate and re-design if necessary Create a presentation outlining the groups journey through the design process.

Multiple Intelligences/Learning Styles

This project would help students who are strong in, or need to improve in, the following MI areas: o Visual- Spatial: The ability to sketch ideas will be necessary, whether via pencil and paper or using some graphics program. Students will also need to determine aesthetical features of design possibilities. o Bodily-Kinesthetic: The ability to perform hands-on work in the workshop environment will be necessary. o Interpersonal: Students will be required to co-exist in groups, working towards a common goal. o Mathematical-Logical: Students will need to determine measurements for designs and understand concepts such as determining how heavy a car can be in proportion to the size of the motor attempting to move it. o Verbal-Linguistic: If groups are asked to present findings to the class. This project will benefit students who fit into, or need improvement in, these general learning styles: o Tactile: The hands-on work in the fabrication stage. o Visual: Conducting online research, watching demonstrations of safe tool use or fabrication techniques. o Auditory: Listening to verbal instructions, communicating in group settings. Presentation possibilities Students might choose to present their work in Web, PowerPoint, or hard copy formats. The integration of technology into the presentation would allow for some multi-media content. This might involve something as simple as taking pictures of the building process with a digital camera and uploading them, to recording video of some test runs for their cars that could be embedded into a Web page or PowerPoint slide. Constructivist learning This process will allow students to take charge of their own learning in that they will be exploring and meeting many outcomes under one project theme. They will make decisions about things like proper tools and materials for fabrication, the best types of wheels, even the best line to use to attach their mousetrap to the axel of their car in order to power it. Teachers will provide guidance when needed, but students can be left to

figure out the necessary details as they progress, while learning to work in a group setting.