Grade 6: Science (Topic A: Air & Aerodynamics)Ms. Boos Date: _____________

Olympics

You are engineers working in a sporting goods factory. Given your recent studies in aerodynamics, your country has requested your expertise to design a new bobsled for the Olympics.

SCIENCE OUTCOMESThe Bigger Picture:Active inquiry and problem solving can be stimulated by providing an initial focus and challenge for learning, by engaging students in developing or adapting a plan of action and by involving students in evaluating results.

By providing opportunities for students to explore ideas and materials, engage in open-ended activities and evaluate their own progress, they can be encouraged to take initiative in learning.Science, Program of Studies, A.2

General Outcomes Specific OutcomesSKILLSProblem Solving Through TechnologyGeneral Outcome 6.3Design and carry out an investigation of a practical problem, and develop a possible solution.

6.3.3.1

6.3.2.1-4

Reflect and InterpretCommunicate effectively with group members in sharing and evaluating ideas, and assessing progress.Explore and InvestigateIdentify one or more possible approaches and plan a set of steps for solving the problem.Select appropriate materials and identify how they will be used.Attempt a variety of strategies and modify procedures, as needed (troubleshoot problems).Work individually or cooperatively in planning and carrying out procedures.

UNDERSTANDINGSTopic A Air & AerodynamicsDescribe properties of air and the interactions of air with objects in flight. 6.5

6.5.7 Recognize that streamlining reduces drag, and predict the effects of specific design changes on the drag of a model aircraft or aircraft components.

ATTITUDESDemonstrate positive attitudes for the study of science and for the application of science in responsible ways. 6.4

6.4.2 Confidence in personal ability to learn and develop problem-solving skills

6.4.3 Inventiveness and open-mindedness

6.4.5 Flexibility in considering new ideas

6.4.9 Appreciation of the benefits gained from shared effort and cooperation

6.4.10 A sense of personal and shared responsibility for actions taken

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Team Observations: Each member needs to fill out his/her own form.Include observations about each sleigh and its performance.

DistanceOf Bobsled

Time Decorated with Country’s national colours

Remained on the track

Designer 1

(name)

How far?

Unique features

How long?

Unique features

Yes, no, somewhat?

Unique features

Yes, no, most of the time?

Unique features

Designer 2

(name)

How far?

Unique features

How long?

Unique features

Yes, no, somewhat?

Unique features

Yes, no, most of the time?

Unique features

Designer 3

(name)

How far?

Unique features

How long?

Unique features

Yes, no, somewhat?

Unique features

Yes, no, most of the time?

Unique features

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Student Self Evaluation Form

Criteria Comment (Give examples)How did I participate?

How did I encourage all group members?

Working in a group, I am most proud of

Next time I would

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The Olympic Dream Team - Student Assessment Task

Your country has hired you as their most trusted engineer. You will be able to work with other engineers at your sporting goods company to create a bobsled that will assist your country to win a medal at the Olympics.Scientists learn from their trials and from others. Good scientists learn more from their mistakes than from their correct trials. Ms. Boos’ motto is “The good can be better, the better can be great!”

Step One (On your own) You will design a prototype on your own. You must make

Step Two (With your team) You will bring your prototypes to your team meeting. All team members will test the prototypes, and compare results and designs. Each member will need to fill in the attached Team Observation Chart.

Include specific features of each sleigh, as well as how well it performed. The more observations and inferences you make now, the easier it will be to produce your final product.

Step Three (On your own) Pick a prototype that you could improve upon the most. It could be yours or

another team member’s. Use your Team Observation Chart to guide your work. Record the results of

your trials on the Fair Test Table, as you perfect your prototype. A small change in your design can result in a large difference in the aerodynamics. Employees who are willing to experiment are valued at your country’s factory.

Step Four (On your own) Provide Ms. Boos with a description that explains your prototype using

correct scientific vocabulary, Bernoulli’s Principle, drag and aerodynamics. She would also like to see your Team Observation Chart and your Fair Test Table.

Include a working model of your designStep Five (On your own)Complete the self-evaluation form. Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses as a group member.

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Student ___________________________________

SCIENCE RUBRICBobsled Design

Level

Criteria

4Excellent

3Proficient

2Adequate

1Limited *

Insufficient /

Blank *

Conducts test Develops a test to provide complete and significant data.

Develops a test to provide reasonable and accurate data.

Develops a test to provide simplistic or inconsistent data.

Develops a test that does not provide irrelevant data.

No score is awarded because there is insufficient evidence of student performance based on the requirements of the assessment task.

Modifies design Modifications show an in-depth understanding of the relationship between manipulated and responding variables.

Modifications show a complete understanding of the relationship between manipulated and responding variables.

Modifications show a partial understanding of the relationship between manipulated and responding variables.

Modifications show little or no understanding of the relationship between manipulated and responding variables.

Evaluates design

Provides a comprehensive explanation of how structural design affects the prototype.

Provides a meaningful explanation of how structural design affects the prototype.

Provides a plausible explanation of how structural design affects the prototype.

Provides a vague or incorrect explanation of how structural design affects the prototype.

Contributes to group

Contributes enthusiastically and invites suggestions from others; works cooperatively providing encouragement and support for others.

Contributes effectively and accepts suggestions from others; works cooperatively with others.

Contributes appropriately to group; needs reminders in order to work with others.

Participates only when encouraged; needs supervision in order to work with others.

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* When work is judged to be limited or insufficient, the teacher makes decisions about appropriate intervention to help the student improve.

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Student ___________________________________

Student Learning Goals

After you have finished this task, complete the following self-reflection: Area of strength (what I do well)

Area for growth (what’s hard for me)

What I would do differently another time (what action I will take)

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