Soda Machines- Engineering and Inquiry

How it Works:

I have slowly grown a set of Mac computers in the classroom from 1 (which ran a FirstClass BBS for interschool weather data sharing) to a mix of 9 older and new machines, all accessing the internet via T1 line, and 3 having digital video input and editing capabilities. Students sit in groups of 4 at lab tables... no desks, and it is very common for individuals to go to a computer to input a bit of data or writing to a piece of work or class template and then return to the group.

However, I find that using hands-on learning with higher level text and internet based learning gives students room to grow, and I get a chance to learn more about their individual styles and strengths.

This unit combines math skills for scaling and measurement, visualizing and drawing 3 dimensional models, units scientific inquiry process skills, and concise use of language to explain design elements.

Standards

Standards addressed (California)
English Language Arts- 2.5 Deliver presentations on problems and
solutions:
a. Theorize on the causes and effects of each problem and establish
connections between the defined problem
and at least one solution.
b. Offer persuasive evidence to validate the definition of the problem
and the proposed solutions.

Math-5th grade: 2.3 Visualize and draw two-dimensional views of
three-dimensional objects made from rectangular solids. 

6th grade: 2.0
Students identify and describe the properties of two-dimensional figures. Use proportions to solve problems 

Art-Artistic Perception: 1.2 Identify and describe scale (proportion) as
applied to two-dimensional and three-dimensional works of art. 2.2=Use different forms of perspective to show the illusion of depth on a two-dimensional surface.

Science-3: Heat moves in a predictable flow from warmer objects to cooler objects until all the objects are at the same temperature. (standards a-d all can apply depending on your choices for extensions) Also, Investigation & 

Experimentation Standards: Recognize
whether evidence is consistent with a proposed explanation.

Estimated Class periods to Complete
6-8 50 min. periods

Software or materials used

At least one computer that can access the internet and display material
on tv or screen. Ideally, the students have access to several computers
or a lab for at least 2 periods.

The Students -

My middle school program is a mix of science and English Language Development(around 90% of our students have English as their second
language). There is no reason to let language limitations result in low levels of cognitive enthusiasm, and I've found over the years that
regular access to a range of hands-on activities, along with technologies- from computers to hand held sensors, still shots to
video-bring out the best in most students

Overall Value-
ELD students, especially by jr. high, usually are getting very
frustrated because of mismatch between cognitive age and academic
English language abilities. This type of activity gives them more access
to constructivist learning, mixtures of graphics and text to convey meaning, and skills with digital resources. They have some freedom toselect what works best for their problem solutions

Tips for teacher-
Don't be in a hurry!
It seems too rare that we can get students working out their own ideas
in ways that allow us to spend individualized time listening to them
work through new thinking. Also, for some the drawing skills are a big
jump, but worth the effort when they find out they too can represent 3
dimensional visions on paper.

Jeff Foote has been a science and English Language Development teacher at a jr. high school for 10 years. He administrated a FirstClass electronic bulletin board system (bbs) for science teachers and students. Science data, photos, student work samples and challenge
questions ran through the system. A key element was the ability to archive shared work. Since that participation, he's been a district and
county schools tech mentor for numerous years, state leadership team member for online science resources, and been directing staff
development projects in science, English Language development, and technology. Current projects include piloting LessonLab, online videotape analysis tool for teacher instruction,TQ2- a national e-mentoring pilot, and Beyond the Classroom, another NSF project helping
teachers integrate science, language, and technology standards into units of instruction.