Engineering Design Process vs. Scientific Method

In this, our first Blog comment assignment, I would like you to compare and contrast the two processes shown below. One we've learned about and the other you explored in elementary school but will take to the next level here in middle school. You should write your response in a comment by clicking on Comments at the end of the blog post. Your comment should be in paragraph form. You should include at least one similarity and one difference in your paragraph. Be sure to sign your comment with your first name and initial of last name (ex. John S.). You will need to choose the Name/URL profile from the dropdown menu to send your comment. You only need to fill in the name part and can leave the URL blank. Use the same system (John S.) for your name. I will review your comment and then post it for all to see so be sure to do your best and try and respond to the prompt.

Karl Fisch Blog Post on What Students Should Know And Be Able To Do

I read this blog post from Karl Fisch yesterday and thought that I'd share it with anyone interested (is there anyone reading my blog?)

Ooh, just found this one as well from Will Richardson on Better Learning or Better Learners!

Upcoming Engineering Design Challenge

With the tragic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico this past Spring, I thought it was time that my students get their hands dirty and learn about alternative energy sources. Throughout the upcoming design challenge, we will be learning about energy conversion, forces, properties of matter, the engineering design process, and material selection. Each team of students will be designing their own wind turbine which will be tested to determine the maximum sustained voltage output.

I am not quite sure how long this challenge will take as it is a new one for me but each team will create their own presentation (powerpoint, video, photostory with voice over, etc) to demonstrate their understanding of the basics of wind-turbine design and energy production including, I hope, the pros and cons of this type of energy.

If you click the link (title of post) you will be taken to a Science Olympiad web page. I am using this model for our own design challenge.