Eco-Tech Habitat: Design for Endangered Species
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we use technology to design a habitat that helps endangered species survive?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How does technology help us learn about what endangered species need?
- What makes a good habitat for endangered species?
- How can we use technology to take care of a habitat?
- What things in the environment help or hurt endangered species?
- What are the good and bad things about using technology to help endangered species?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to design a habitat for an endangered species.
- Students will be able to use technology to monitor the needs of the species.
- Students will be able to present data and information gathered using technology to examine problems.
- Students will be able to understand and test solutions that utilizes automation.
- Students will be able to identify structural features and adaptations that help living things survive in their environment.
Edtech
Science
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsMysterious Animal Illness
A local news station reports a mysterious animal illness outbreak. Students examine initial reports, prompting them to design a tech-driven habitat for endangered species, using monitoring systems to maintain their health.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Habitat Design Brainstorm & Sketch
Students brainstorm and sketch initial habitat designs, focusing on how technology can be integrated to meet the needs of the endangered species. They research the species' specific needs (food, water, shelter, climate) and consider how technology can address these.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA set of initial habitat sketches with annotations explaining the technology integrations and how they meet the species' needs.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsTT1: Focuses on exploring and developing new ideas using technology in habitat design. TT4: Directly involves designing solutions using digital tools. S2: Requires understanding structural features and adaptations of living things.Habitat Prototype with Sensor Integration & Peer Review
Students create a digital or physical prototype of a section of their habitat. They will incorporate sensors (simulated or real) to monitor temperature, humidity, light levels, or other relevant environmental factors. They will present their prototype and data collected to peers for feedback, using online tools for virtual presentations if needed.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA functional habitat prototype with integrated sensors and a presentation of collected data and peer feedback.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsTT2: Involves seeking feedback on the prototype using technology. TT3: Requires understanding and troubleshooting digital tools used in the prototype. TT5: Requires collecting and presenting data gathered using technology to examine problems.Habitat Refinement & Automation Design
Students refine their habitat design based on the feedback received and the data collected from their prototype. They will focus on automating certain aspects of the habitat (e.g., automated feeding, temperature control, waste removal) using technology. Students will create a presentation detailing how their final design meets the needs of the endangered species, incorporates automation, and addresses the feedback received.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA refined habitat design with automated systems, a presentation detailing the design and its features, and a reflection on the design process.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsTT6: Focuses on using digital tools to analyze and extract key information to understand the problem at hand. TT7: Involves understanding and testing solutions that utilize automation. S1: Requires understanding the systems of living things. S3: Requires understanding the lifecycle of the endangered species.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioEco-Tech Habitat Design Rubric
Habitat Design Brainstorm & Sketch
Assesses the student's initial habitat design brainstorming and sketching, focusing on their understanding of species needs, technology integration, and design clarity.Species Needs Understanding
Understanding of the endangered species' needs and how the habitat design addresses them.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the endangered species' needs, including specific details about their diet, shelter, and social behavior. The habitat design reflects a deep consideration of these needs.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates a thorough understanding of the endangered species' needs, including details about their diet, shelter, and social behavior. The habitat design appropriately addresses these needs.
Developing
2 PointsShows an emerging understanding of the endangered species' needs, with some details about their diet, shelter, and social behavior. The habitat design partially addresses these needs.
Beginning
1 PointsShows an initial understanding of the endangered species' needs, with limited details about their diet, shelter, and social behavior. The habitat design minimally addresses these needs.
Technology Integration
Effective integration of technology to monitor and address the needs of the endangered species within the habitat.
Exemplary
4 PointsInnovatively integrates technology to monitor and address multiple needs of the endangered species, demonstrating advanced problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of technological applications.
Proficient
3 PointsSuccessfully integrates technology to monitor and address key needs of the endangered species, demonstrating effective problem-solving skills and a clear understanding of technological applications.
Developing
2 PointsPartially integrates technology to monitor and address some needs of the endangered species, demonstrating basic problem-solving skills and a developing understanding of technological applications.
Beginning
1 PointsMinimally integrates technology to monitor and address the needs of the endangered species, demonstrating limited problem-solving skills and a beginning understanding of technological applications.
Design Clarity and Detail
Clarity and completeness of the initial habitat sketches and annotations, showing well-thought-out design concepts.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe sketches are exceptionally clear, detailed, and comprehensive, showcasing innovative design concepts and meticulous attention to detail in the annotations.
Proficient
3 PointsThe sketches are clear, detailed, and comprehensive, showcasing well-thought-out design concepts and thorough annotations.
Developing
2 PointsThe sketches are somewhat clear and detailed, showcasing basic design concepts and adequate annotations.
Beginning
1 PointsThe sketches are unclear and lack detail, showcasing limited design concepts and insufficient annotations.
Habitat Prototype with Sensor Integration & Peer Review
Evaluates the student's habitat prototype, focusing on functionality, data collection, presentation, and the incorporation of peer feedback.Prototype Functionality
Functionality of the habitat prototype, demonstrating how sensors monitor environmental factors effectively.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe prototype functions flawlessly, demonstrating an innovative use of sensors to monitor environmental factors with exceptional accuracy and reliability. Shows leadership in troubleshooting and optimizing sensor performance.
Proficient
3 PointsThe prototype functions effectively, demonstrating a proficient use of sensors to monitor environmental factors with good accuracy and reliability.
Developing
2 PointsThe prototype functions with some inconsistencies, demonstrating a basic use of sensors to monitor environmental factors with limited accuracy and reliability.
Beginning
1 PointsThe prototype functions poorly or not at all, demonstrating a limited use of sensors to monitor environmental factors with minimal accuracy and reliability.
Data Collection & Presentation
Quality of data collected from the sensors and presented to peers, showcasing accurate and relevant information.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe data collected is exceptionally accurate, relevant, and insightful, providing a comprehensive understanding of the environmental factors. The presentation is highly engaging and effectively communicates key findings, leading to productive peer feedback.
Proficient
3 PointsThe data collected is accurate, relevant, and informative, providing a clear understanding of the environmental factors. The presentation is well-organized and effectively communicates key findings.
Developing
2 PointsThe data collected is somewhat accurate and relevant, providing a basic understanding of the environmental factors. The presentation is adequately organized but may lack clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsThe data collected is inaccurate or irrelevant, providing a limited understanding of the environmental factors. The presentation is disorganized and lacks clarity.
Feedback Incorporation
Effectiveness of incorporating peer feedback to improve the habitat prototype.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates an exceptional ability to incorporate peer feedback, leading to significant improvements in the habitat prototype and addressing all concerns comprehensively. Actively seeks and integrates diverse perspectives to enhance the design.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates a strong ability to incorporate peer feedback, leading to noticeable improvements in the habitat prototype and addressing most concerns effectively.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates a moderate ability to incorporate peer feedback, leading to some improvements in the habitat prototype and addressing some concerns adequately.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates a limited ability to incorporate peer feedback, leading to minimal improvements in the habitat prototype and addressing few concerns superficially.
Habitat Refinement & Automation Design
Assesses the student's refined habitat design, focusing on how it addresses feedback, incorporates automated systems, and demonstrates critical reflection on the design process.Addressing Feedback & Data
Extent to which the refined habitat design addresses feedback and data from the prototype phase.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe refined habitat design masterfully addresses all feedback and data from the prototype phase, showcasing innovative solutions and a comprehensive understanding of the project's objectives. The design demonstrates a clear progression from the initial prototype, with significant enhancements and improvements that elevate its functionality and effectiveness.
Proficient
3 PointsThe refined habitat design thoroughly addresses feedback and data from the prototype phase, showcasing effective solutions and a clear understanding of the project's objectives. The design demonstrates a logical progression from the initial prototype, with noticeable enhancements and improvements.
Developing
2 PointsThe refined habitat design partially addresses feedback and data from the prototype phase, showcasing basic solutions and an adequate understanding of the project's objectives. The design demonstrates some progression from the initial prototype, with minor enhancements and improvements.
Beginning
1 PointsThe refined habitat design minimally addresses feedback and data from the prototype phase, showcasing limited solutions and a superficial understanding of the project's objectives. The design demonstrates little to no progression from the initial prototype, with minimal enhancements and improvements.
Automation Effectiveness
Effectiveness of automated systems incorporated into the design, particularly in meeting the needs of the endangered species.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe automated systems are exceptionally effective and seamlessly integrated into the design, proactively meeting the diverse needs of the endangered species with innovative solutions. The design demonstrates a deep understanding of automation principles and their practical applications.
Proficient
3 PointsThe automated systems are effective and well-integrated into the design, reliably meeting the key needs of the endangered species with practical solutions. The design demonstrates a clear understanding of automation principles and their applications.
Developing
2 PointsThe automated systems are partially effective and somewhat integrated into the design, adequately meeting some needs of the endangered species with basic solutions. The design demonstrates a basic understanding of automation principles and their applications.
Beginning
1 PointsThe automated systems are ineffective and poorly integrated into the design, minimally meeting the needs of the endangered species with limited solutions. The design demonstrates a superficial understanding of automation principles and their applications.
Design Process Reflection
Depth of reflection on the design process, demonstrating critical thinking and lessons learned.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe reflection is exceptionally insightful, demonstrating profound critical thinking and a deep understanding of the design process. The student articulates key lessons learned with clarity and provides actionable recommendations for future projects, showcasing significant personal and intellectual growth.
Proficient
3 PointsThe reflection is thorough and thoughtful, demonstrating strong critical thinking and a clear understanding of the design process. The student articulates key lessons learned with clarity and provides relevant recommendations for future projects.
Developing
2 PointsThe reflection is adequate and somewhat thoughtful, demonstrating basic critical thinking and an adequate understanding of the design process. The student articulates some lessons learned and provides some recommendations for future projects.
Beginning
1 PointsThe reflection is superficial and lacks depth, demonstrating limited critical thinking and a superficial understanding of the design process. The student struggles to articulate lessons learned and provides minimal recommendations for future projects.