MSTP HOME | SECONDARY STEM | ENGINEERING
Overview: What is Engineering?
The nature of engineering makes up a large part of the Minnesota academic science standards. Engineering is a unique discipline, different from mathematics and science. This training day will allow teachers to connect their current ideas about engineering to expanded ideas about engineering and the engineering design cycle.
- IN THIS SESSION TEACHERS:
- Reflect on and expand their current ideas about engineering through a concept mapping activity.
- Explore the essential elements of the disciplines of engineering and how mathematics and science are related to engineering.
- Experience the engineering design cycle focused on wind turbines.
- Investigate the effects of blade design on electrical output.
Standards Specifically Addressed
- MINNESOTA ACADEMIC STANDARDS
- Grades 9-11: Distinguish between functions and other relations defined symbolically, graphically or in tabular form. (9.2.1.2)
- Grades 9-11: Represent and solve problems in various contexts using linear and quadratic functions. (9.2.2.1)
- Grades 9-11: Understand that quantities associated with physical measurements must be assigned units; apply such units correctly in expressions, equations and problem solutions that involve measurements; and convert between measurement systems (9.3.1.3)
- Grades 9-11: Understand and apply the fact that the effect of a scale factor k on length, area and volume is to multiply each by k, k2 and k3, respectively. (9.3.1.4)
- Grade 9: Engineering design is an analytical and creative process of devising a product or solution to meet a need or solve a specific problem:
- Identify a problem and the associated constraints on possible design solutions (9.1.2.2.1)
- Develop possible solutions to an engineering problem and evaluate them using conceptual, physical and mathematical models to determine the extent to which the solutions meet the design specifications (9.1.2.2.2))
- Select and use appropriate numeric, symbolic, pictorial, or graphical representation to communicate scientific ideas, procedures and experimental results (9.1.3.4.3)
- Grade 9: Identify the energy forms and explain the transfers of energy involved in the operation of common devices (9.2.3.2.1)
- Grade 9: Calculate and explain the energy, work and power involved in energy transfers in a mechanical system (9.2.3.2.2)
- Grade 9: Describe how an electric current produces a magnetic force, and how this interaction is used in motors and electromagnets to produce mechanical energy (9.2.3.2.5)
- Grade 9: Compare local and global environmental and economic advantages and disadvantages of generating electricity using various sources or energy. (9.2.4.1.1)
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NCTM PROCESS STANDARDS:
- Problem Solving
- Connections
- Reasoning and Proof
- Representation
- Communication