Learning Goals
Students will be able to define playground design criteria and constraints for safety, fun, inclusivity, and local weather conditions.
Students will be able to explain how pushes, pulls, gravity, friction, and balanced or unbalanced forces affect playground motion and stability.
Students will be able to analyze multiple playground equipment ideas using a simple decision matrix based on evidence from tests and design criteria.
Students will be able to prototype and test a scale playground model with moving parts to collect data about motion, stability, and safety.
Students will be able to justify design revisions using test results, peer feedback, and observations from the playground investigation walk.
Students will be able to communicate how their playground design supports inclusive play for different ages and abilities.
Products
Individual Playground Engineering Notebook and Design Decision Memo
Each student submits an engineering notebook with investigation notes, labeled sketches of at least two different playground solutions, a simple decision matrix, and a one-page memo explaining their final recommendation. The product shows individual understanding of forces, criteria, constraints, and evidence-based design choices.
Revised Scale Inclusive Playground Model and Design Expo Presentation
Teams build a working scale playground model with at least one moving part, test it, revise it once using data, and present it with a short explanation of performance, trade-offs, and accessibility features. The final presentation must show how the team used evidence and collaboration to improve the design for safety and inclusive play.
No rubric has been generated yet.