Identify and Justify a Real-World Problem STEM Integrated Project
This is a Linked Learning unit based on the Engineering Design Process Scoring Rubric (EDPPSR), Element A, Identification and Justification of the Problem.
In our experience, high school students struggle to clearly and objectively identify real-world problems. They also struggle with research requiring students to critically read and integrate knowledge from many source, nor do they know how to conduct surveys in a manner that will produce objective and relevant data regarding the problem they are trying to justify.
Therefore, the CTE lessons in this unit start with the Engineering Grand Challenges as a set of well-defined problems and focus on Solar Energy. The CTE lessons were written with the help of Deborah McVay and Susan Carle (English Teachers) in order to focus on the Common Core Reading and Writing skills that need to be developed in the Engineering class.
The English lessons bring to life the importance of engineering design in historical/literary context through the Chimney Sweeps of 19th Century England and Victorian Literature. Chimney Sweeps are an example of the terrible child labor practices that ended with the invention of tools necessary to do the task without children.
The Math lessons support the Engineering Design process through the essential elements of survey design and optimization. Survey design is often necessary when talking to a large number of primary stakeholders. Optimization is an essential design skill throughout the Engineering Design Process.
The structure of this unit and the materials contained within it were created by Ted Harder (CTE), Janet Lewis (Math), and Deborah McVay (ELA) with support from the CTE Online curriculum leadership team and detailed coordination provided by the Course Specialist Mina Greas.
