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All grades  Project 10 weeks

Voltage Voyage: Electrifying Adventures in Science!

Beatriz P
Updated
4-PS3-4
3-5.AF.6.4
3-PS2-4
4-PS3-2
1-PS4-4
+ 5 more
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The Challenge

Rising energy costs and inefficiencies affect communities globally, with many areas lacking access to sustainable electrical systems or renewable energy sources. These challenges impose financial strain and environmental impact, underscoring the need for innovative solutions to optimize energy use and infrastructure.

Challenge Question

How can we, as 4th-grade scientists, design a cost-effective and sustainable electrical system using recyclable materials that addresses rising energy costs and inefficiency challenges faced by local businesses and community centers?

Standards
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] 4-PS3-4 - Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] 3-5.AF.6.4 - Apply scientific ideas to solve design problems.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] 3-PS2-4 - Define a simple design problem that can be solved by applying scientific ideas about magnets.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] 4-PS3-2 - Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] 1-PS4-4 - Use tools and materials to design and build a device that uses light or sound to solve the problem of communicating over a distance.
Competencies
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.

Learning Partners and Clients

In collaboration with Solar One, a New York City-based nonprofit organization, students will engage in practical learning sessions to explore sustainable energy solutions. Participants will work to design and model efficient electrical systems, addressing real-world problems faced by local businesses and community centers. These interactions will provide students with hands-on experiences, exposure to expert insights, and the opportunity to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways that impact their community.

Phase Outcomes

Phase Learning Outcome
Discover
I can identify the root causes of rising energy costs and inefficiencies within my community through engaging activities that stimulate curiosity and conviction about solving the problem.
Examine
I can carefully research and analyze different factors that lead to energy inefficiencies, exploring scientific principles and learning from real-world data that illuminate the causes and effects of the challenge.
Engineer
I can develop a viable solution by designing a small-scale solar-powered light system using recyclable materials and principles of conductors and insulators, creating positive change for those affected by the issue.
Do
I can implement my built solution by testing it in real-world scenarios, collecting data to evaluate its effectiveness and making necessary adjustments before the final exhibition.
Share
I can share my project and personal growth by creating an engaging presentation for peers, teachers, and community members that highlights my learning journey, problem-solving processes, and the impact of my solution.