Learning Goals
Students will be able to explain how light reflects, transmits, refracts, scatters, and is absorbed by different materials in simulated murky delta water using observations and scientific evidence.
Students will be able to define the underwater-scope problem using measurable performance criteria, practical constraints, safety requirements, and ecosystem-protection considerations.
Students will be able to plan a controlled underwater-scope investigation that identifies variables, controls, tools, measurement methods, and sufficient repeated trials.
Students will be able to analyze quantitative test data and a decision matrix to compare multiple underwater-scope concepts and justify which features should be combined.
Students will be able to optimize a safe underwater-scope prototype by using failure data and peer critique to revise its light-control, viewing, and ecosystem-protection features.
Students will be able to communicate an evidence-based engineering argument that explains scope performance, design trade-offs, limitations, revisions, and learning about light-material interactions.
Products
Underwater-Scope Engineering Notebook and Wave Assessment
Each student will produce an engineering notebook containing a design brief, at least three annotated solution sketches, a controlled test plan, data analysis, a decision matrix, and an independent revision justification that can inform the team design. The notebook will also include multiple-choice and written-response wave questions and a reflection on the most important learning about how light interacts with materials.
Tested Underwater-Scope Prototype and Delta Search Challenge Presentation
Each team will combine evaluated individual ideas to build a safe scope, conduct repeated trials in sealed tubs of simulated murky water, and revise the prototype at least once from data and critique. Teams will demonstrate detection of a model phone to district staff and present scientific principles, performance evidence, trade-offs, limitations, and ecosystem protections.
No rubric has been generated yet.