PLTw Design and Modeling
Design and Modeling (DM) provides students opportunities to apply the design process to creatively solve problems. Students are introduced to the unit problem in the first activity and are asked to make connections to the problem throughout the lessons in the unit. Students learn and utilize methods for communicating design ideas through sketches, solid models, and mathematical models. Students will understand how models can be simulated to represent an authentic situation and generate data for further analysis and observations. Students work in teams to identify design requirements, research the topic, and engage stakeholders. Teams design a toy or game for a child with cerebral palsy, fabricate and test it, and make necessary modifications to optimize the design solution.
Lesson 1: Intro to Design
Students discover the design process as they complete an instant design challenge to create an ankle foot orthosis. They learn thumbnail, orthographic, isometric, and perspective sketching as methods for communicating design ideas effectively without the use of technology. The use of a common measurement system is essential for communicating and fabricating designs. Students use both measurement systems and apply measurement skills while dimensioning sketches. They create and launch paper air skimmers and complete statistical analysis on their results. Students conduct a mechanical dissection in the lesson project to better understand how objects and parts interact while using sketches to communicate and document their findings.
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Lesson 2: Solid Modeling
In this lesson, students transfer a two-dimensional representation to a three-dimensional solid model with technology. Students learn how to use a computer-aided design (CAD) application to create solid models of various objects and designs. During the design project, students work in teams and apply the design process to create a puzzle cube. Students create a solid model of their design using the CAD application and fabricate their design solution for testing. Students use a dynamic mathematics program to complete statistical analysis from their testing results to determine if their design met the criteria and constraints
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Lesson 3: Design Challenge
Within teams, students brainstorm and select a design solution to the Therapeutic Toy Design Challenge problem based on design requirements. They establish team norms, collaborate, and recognize that solving authentic problems involves interdisciplinary skills such as engineering and biomedical science. Using the design process, students create a solid model of their design, build a prototype for design testing, and make necessary design modifications based on testing results.
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