Designing Future Tech for Michigan's Energy Sustainability

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Designing Future Tech for Michigan's Energy Sustainability

Grade 7Environmental ScienceTechnology5 days

In this project, 7th-grade students are tasked with designing innovative technology solutions to address Michigan's specific energy needs, considering environmental, social, and economic factors. Through a series of structured activities, students research current renewable energy technologies in Michigan, brainstorm new solutions, and evaluate their impacts on society and the environment. The project emphasizes creativity, scientific principles, and critical analysis, culminating in a comprehensive student proposal and presentation to advocate for their innovative solutions.

Renewable EnergyTechnology DesignMichiganSustainabilityInnovationEnvironmental Science

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design innovative technology solutions to address the specific energy needs and challenges of Michigan, considering the environmental, social, and economic factors influencing renewable energy development?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

What are the current renewable energy technologies being used in Michigan and how do they benefit the environment?
How can new technology be developed to enhance Michigan's energy sustainability?
What are the challenges and limitations of current renewable energy solutions in Michigan?
How do environmental, social, and economic factors influence the development and implementation of renewable energy technologies in Michigan?
How can we design future technology to address the specific energy needs and challenges faced by Michigan?
What role do innovation and technology play in shaping a sustainable energy future for Michigan?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Students will understand the current renewable energy technologies used in Michigan and their environmental benefits.
Students will identify and evaluate challenges and limitations of current energy solutions in Michigan.
Students will develop innovative technological solutions to enhance Michigan's energy sustainability.
Students will analyze how environmental, social, and economic factors influence renewable energy technologies.
Students will gain insights into the role of innovation in shaping a sustainable future for Michigan's energy grid.

NGSS

MS-ESS3-3

Primary

Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.Reason: Students will be designing technology solutions to address energy sustainability, directly aligning with minimizing environmental impact.

MS-PS3-4

Secondary

Plan an investigation to determine the relationships among the energy transferred, the type of matter, the mass, and the change in the average kinetic energy of the particles as measured by the temperature of the sample.Reason: Understanding energy transfer is crucial for developing new renewable energy technologies.

7-ESS3-4

Supporting

Construct a scientific argument based on evidence about how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth’s systems.Reason: The project includes evaluating human factors in energy consumption and sustainable development.

Common Core

7-ETS1-1

Primary

Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.Reason: Aligns with the project's focus on designing technology solutions considering environmental and social impacts.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Energy Crisis Escape Room

Engage students with a themed escape room challenge centered on solving an energy crisis in Michigan. They must use critical thinking and problem-solving skills related to renewable energies to 'escape,' stimulating interest in designing viable future-tech solutions.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

Renewable Energy Tech Explorer

In this initial activity, students will research and explore various renewable energy technologies currently used in Michigan. The aim is to understand their environmental benefits and how they contribute to energy sustainability. Students will analyze these technologies from both a technical and societal perspective.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Students will work in small groups to collect information on renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, and biomass used in Michigan.

2. Using digital resources, students will research case studies or projects implementing these technologies in Michigan.

3. Groups will prepare a presentation summarizing their findings, including benefits, drawbacks, and overall impact on Michigan's energy grid.

4. Students will present their findings to the class, fostering a discussion on the technologies' pros and cons and contributions to sustainability.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA group presentation detailing the renewable energy technologies in Michigan, along with their pros and cons.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with Exploring renewable energy technology, focusing on benefits, directly supporting MS-ESS3-3.

Activity 2

Energy Solutions Inventor

Building on their research, students brainstorm innovative technological solutions to enhance Michigan's energy sustainability. This activity encourages creativity and critical thinking as they define and develop new solutions considering environmental, social, and economic factors.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Students brainstorm in teams, applying creative thinking to generate ideas for new renewable energy technologies.

2. Each team selects one or two promising ideas to develop further.

3. Teams outline potential criteria and constraints of their chosen technology solutions, taking into account scientific principles and the technology's impact on people and the environment.

4. Students draft a proposal detailing their technology solution, ensuring it aligns with Michigan's energy goals and addresses existing challenges.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive proposal for an innovative renewable energy technology tailored for Michigan's needs.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsDirectly supports 7-ETS1-1, focusing on criteria and constraints of technology design.

Activity 3

Impact Investigator

In this activity, students analyze how their proposed solutions will affect Michigan's energy landscape. They evaluate how environmental, social, and economic factors influence their technology's implementation and potential success.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Conduct a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) on their proposed energy technology.

2. Students gather data and evidence to support their analysis, considering Michigan's specific energy and sustainability context.

3. Teams reflect on what adaptations or improvements might be needed for successful implementation.

4. Prepare a report summarizing their insights into how their technology might impact the environment, society, and economy.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed report analyzing the potential impacts of their proposed energy solution on Michigan.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports 7-ESS3-4 by evaluating human and environmental impacts on consumption and sustainability.

Activity 4

Innovative Tech Showcase

Students finalize their projects by developing a presentation that highlights their innovative energy technology solutions. This activity emphasizes communication and persuasion skills to advocate for their technology's adoption.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Students create a visually engaging presentation summarizing their project, focusing on its innovative aspects and intended benefits.

2. Prepare persuasive arguments supporting their technology's feasibility and advantages compared to current solutions.

3. Rehearse their presentation, incorporating feedback to improve clarity and impact.

4. Present to a panel of teachers and peers, possibly inviting community experts to evaluate their solutions.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA final presentation advocating for their innovative energy technology tailored for Michigan.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsEngages communication skills, supporting MS-PS3-4 by emphasizing scientific principles and their application to real-world solutions.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Tech for Tomorrow: Energy Sustainability Portfolio Rubric

Category 1

Research and Understanding

Assessment of the depth of research into current renewable energy technologies and understanding of their benefits and drawbacks in Michigan.

Criterion 1

Research Depth

Evaluation of the thoroughness of the research conducted on renewable energy technologies in Michigan.

Exemplary

4 Points

Conducts comprehensive and detailed research, showcasing an in-depth understanding of multiple renewable energy technologies and their impacts on Michigan.

Proficient

3 Points

Conducts detailed research covering key renewable energy technologies and their impacts on Michigan with minor gaps.

Developing

2 Points

Conducts basic research with limited detail on renewable energy technologies and impacts, covering some essential points.

Beginning

1 Points

Conducts minimal research with significant gaps in understanding renewable energy technologies and their impacts.

Criterion 2

Understanding and Analysis

Measures the understanding and analysis of the societal and environmental implications of current technologies.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides a sophisticated analysis of societal and environmental implications, demonstrating thorough understanding and insightful connections.

Proficient

3 Points

Offers a clear analysis of societal and environmental implications with good understanding and logical connections.

Developing

2 Points

Offers a basic analysis of societal and environmental implications with some understanding and obvious connections.

Beginning

1 Points

Presents a minimal analysis of societal and environmental implications with minimal understanding and few connections.

Category 2

Innovation and Creativity

Assess student creativity and innovation in designing new renewable energy technology solutions for Michigan's specific challenges.

Criterion 1

Creativity and Innovation

The originality and inventiveness of proposed technological solutions.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates exceptional creativity with unique and innovative ideas that effectively address Michigan's energy challenges.

Proficient

3 Points

Demonstrates good creativity with original ideas that adequately address Michigan's energy challenges.

Developing

2 Points

Shows some creativity with conventional ideas that partially address Michigan's energy challenges.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows minimal creativity with standard ideas that only slightly address Michigan's energy challenges.

Criterion 2

Application of Scientific Principles

Evaluation of the application of scientific principles to the design process and final proposals.

Exemplary

4 Points

Applies scientific principles expertly in the design process, demonstrating thorough integration into final proposals.

Proficient

3 Points

Applies scientific principles effectively, showing good integration into final proposals.

Developing

2 Points

Applies scientific principles occasionally, showing partial integration into final proposals.

Beginning

1 Points

Rarely applies scientific principles, with minimal integration into final proposals.

Category 3

Critical Thinking and Reflection

Evaluation of students' critical thinking and reflection on their proposed solutions' potential impacts.

Criterion 1

Critical Analysis of Impacts

Analysis of the proposed technology's impact on Michigan's environment, society, and economy.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides a detailed and insightful analysis, considering multiple perspectives and potential impacts comprehensively.

Proficient

3 Points

Provides a clear analysis, considering the key impacts from various perspectives.

Developing

2 Points

Provides a basic analysis, considering some impacts from a few perspectives.

Beginning

1 Points

Provides minimal analysis, considering limited impacts from narrow perspectives.

Category 4

Communication and Presentation

Assessment of students' ability to communicate and present their solutions effectively.

Criterion 1

Presentation Clarity and Persuasiveness

Clarity and persuasiveness in presenting technological solutions to an audience.

Exemplary

4 Points

Communicates ideas with exceptional clarity and persuasiveness, thoroughly engaging the audience.

Proficient

3 Points

Communicates ideas clearly and persuasively, adequately engaging the audience.

Developing

2 Points

Communicates ideas with some clarity and persuasive elements, partially engaging the audience.

Beginning

1 Points

Communicates ideas unclearly with limited persuasive effort, resulting in minimal audience engagement.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

Reflect on the challenges you faced while designing a renewable energy technology solution for Michigan. What problem-solving strategies did you find most effective?

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Question 2

On a scale from 1 to 5, how confident do you feel about the feasibility and impact of your proposed technology solution?

Scale

Required

Question 3

What new understanding about renewable energy technologies and their implementation in Michigan have you gained through this project?

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Question 4

Which factors (environmental, social, or economic) do you think have the most significant influence on the success of renewable energy technologies in Michigan?

Multiple choice

Required

Options

Environmental

Social

Economic

Question 5

In what ways have your views on innovation and technology's role in sustainable energy development evolved during this course?

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Required