Prompt Title: STEM Turbine Lesson using EDP

Sure, here's a STEM lesson plan on designing a wind turbine using the Engineering Design Process (EDP) approach:

Grade level: 7th-9th

Subject area: STEM - Engineering

Time required: 2-3 class periods (45-60 minutes each)

Objective: Students will learn the basics of wind energy and apply the EDP to design and build a functional wind turbine.

Materials needed:

• Computer and internet access
• CAD software (e.g. Tinkercad, SketchUp)
• Materials for wind turbine building (e.g. paper cups, straws, cardboard, tape, scissors, ruler, glue)
• Fan or hair dryer for testing the wind turbine
• Wind turbine worksheet (downloadable online)

Procedure:

Day 1:

1. Introduction to Wind Energy

• Begin the lesson by discussing the importance of renewable energy sources and introduce wind energy as a viable solution.
• Provide some background on the science of wind energy and the mechanics of wind turbines.

2. Engineering Design Process

• Introduce the EDP as a problem-solving approach used by engineers.
• Discuss the different stages of the EDP: Define the Problem, Do Research, Develop Solutions, Choose the Best Solution, Build a Prototype, Test and Evaluate, and Redesign.

3. Define the Problem

• Present the problem to students: Design and build a wind turbine that can generate enough energy to light up an LED bulb.
• Provide the Wind Turbine Worksheet and have students fill out the first column: Problem Statement and Criteria.

Day 2:

4. Do Research

• Have students conduct research on wind turbines and renewable energy sources using online resources and provided materials.
• Instruct students to fill out the second column of the Wind Turbine Worksheet: Background Research.

5. Develop Solutions

• Divide students into groups of 2-3 and have them brainstorm and sketch out their design ideas for the wind turbine.
• Provide CAD software tutorials and allow students to create a digital model of their design.
• Instruct students to fill out the third column of the Wind Turbine Worksheet: Concept Sketches and Digital Model.

Day 3:

6. Choose the Best Solution

• Have each group present their wind turbine design and model to the class.
• As a class, discuss the pros and cons of each design and vote on the best solution.
• Instruct students to fill out the fourth column of the Wind Turbine Worksheet: Chosen Solution.

7. Build a Prototype

• Provide the materials for building the wind turbine.
• Have students work in their groups to build a functional prototype of their chosen wind turbine design.
• Instruct students to fill out the fifth column of the Wind Turbine Worksheet: Prototype Build.

8. Test and Evaluate

• Use a fan or hair dryer to test the wind turbines and measure their energy output.
• Have students fill out the sixth column of the Wind Turbine Worksheet: Test and Evaluation.

9. Redesign

• Based on the test results, have students discuss and redesign their wind turbines to improve their energy output.
• Instruct students to fill out the seventh column of the Wind Turbine Worksheet: Redesign.

Assessment:

• Students will be assessed based on their completion of the Wind Turbine Worksheet and their final wind turbine prototype.
• They will also be evaluated on their participation in group discussions, their use of CAD software, and their ability to apply the EDP to the design process.

Extensions:

• Have students create a poster or presentation on the benefits of wind energy and the design of their wind turbine.
• Encourage students to research and compare different types of renewable energy sources.
• Invite a guest speaker or take a field trip to a wind farm or renewable energy facility.

Here is an example worksheet for the Wind Turbine STEM lesson plan:

Wind Turbine Worksheet

Group Name: ____________________________

Problem Statement and Criteria

• What is the problem you are trying to solve?
• What are the criteria for a successful solution?

Background Research

• What are wind turbines?
• How do wind turbines work?
• What are some advantages and disadvantages of wind energy?
• What are some examples of wind turbines being used today?

Concept Sketches and Digital Model

• Sketch out 2-3 design ideas for your wind turbine.
• Create a digital model of your chosen wind turbine design using CAD software.

Chosen Solution

• Which wind turbine design did your group choose?
• Why did you choose this design?

Prototype Build

• What materials did you use to build your wind turbine?
• How did you build your wind turbine?
• Did you encounter any challenges during the building process?

Test and Evaluation

• Test your wind turbine using a fan or hair dryer.
• How much energy did your wind turbine generate?
• Did your wind turbine meet the criteria for a successful solution?
• What could be improved in your wind turbine design?

Redesign

• Based on your test results, how can you improve your wind turbine design?
• Sketch out your redesign ideas.

Conclusion

• Reflect on your group's wind turbine design process.
• What did you learn about wind energy and the EDP?
• What improvements would you make to your wind turbine design if you had more time?