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Renewable Energy Systems: Models & Research
Grade 5ScienceEnglishOther24 days
In this project, 5th-grade students engage in a comprehensive exploration of renewable energy systems by investigating scientific principles, natural inspirations, and engineering constraints. Through interactive activities, such as designing hypothetical models and researching real-world projects, students learn to apply scientific concepts and develop problem-solving skills. The project emphasizes effective communication and presentation skills, as students present and justify their findings, models, and proposed solutions using multimedia. The experience culminates in understanding global impacts and real-world applications of renewable energy technologies, particularly from major projects in China.Renewable EnergyScientific PrinciplesEngineering ChallengesNatural InspirationsProblem SolvingCommunication Skills
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Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design innovative renewable energy systems that utilize scientific principles, mimic natural phenomena, and address material, time, and cost constraints?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What are renewable energy systems, and what are some examples of these systems in use today?
- How do scientific principles contribute to the development and functioning of renewable energy technologies?
- In what ways can inventions in renewable energy be inspired by natural phenomena?
- What role does engineering play in the development and optimization of renewable energy systems?
- How do engineers define and solve problems related to renewable energy within certain constraints such as material, time, or cost?
- What are some of the major science projects in China related to renewable energy, and what is their global impact?
- How can we effectively use diagrams, images, words, or objects to communicate complex ideas about renewable energy systems?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will understand what renewable energy systems are and how they function.
- Students will learn the scientific principles behind renewable energy technologies and how these principles are applied in practice.
- Students will investigate how natural phenomena inspire inventions in renewable energy technology.
- Students will explore the role of engineering in developing and optimizing renewable energy systems.
- Students will define engineering problems in renewable energy with materials, time, and cost constraints.
- Students will learn about major science projects in China related to renewable energy and their global impact.
- Students will develop skills to communicate ideas using diagrams, images, words, or objects.
National Education Standards
5DE1201
Primary
Know that technology includes methods, procedures, products, etc.; know the common methods of inventions, give examples of some typical inventions, know that inventions will use certain scientific principles and that many inventions can find prototypes in nature.Reason: The project requires students to research and model renewable energy systems, exploring the scientific principles behind inventions and how they can be inspired by natural prototypes.
5DE1202
Secondary
Consists of multiple systems; know China's major science projects.Reason: Understanding China’s major science projects is essential for analyzing the global impact of renewable energy systems and how they consist of multiple engineering systems.
5DE1301
Primary
Define simple engineering problems, including constraints such as material, time, or cost, and propose acceptance criteria.Reason: Aligns with the project's goal to address the problem-solving process in renewable energy system design, considering constraints and acceptance criteria.
5DE1302
Primary
Use a variety of ways, such as diagrams, images, words, or objects, to clarify one's ideas and gain a preliminary understanding of the relationships among the influencing factors in a design plan.Reason: The project involves using different methods to communicate complex ideas effectively about renewable energy systems.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsEnergy Detective Mission
Students receive a mysterious envelope containing clues about energy blackouts in a fictional city. They are tasked to act as energy detectives to resolve the issue by exploring and creating models of renewable energy sources to power the city. This mission-style entry encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills.📚
Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Activity 1
Natural Inspiration Investigator
This activity involves students researching how natural phenomena inspire renewable energy inventions. Students will identify examples and create analogies to explain these relationships.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Research natural phenomena that have inspired technological inventions in renewable energy.
2. Create a mind map linking the natural phenomena to corresponding renewable energy inventions.
3. Develop analogies to describe these inspirations and present findings to the class.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA mind map and presentation on natural inspirations in renewable energy technology.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with standard 5DE1201 (Know that inventions use scientific principles with natural prototypes).Activity 2
China's Renewable Masterpieces
A research-based activity where students learn about China's major science projects in renewable energy, analyzing their structure, global impact, and engineering components.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Assign individual or group research tasks focusing on China's renewable energy projects.
2. Analyze the engineering systems involved in these projects and their global impact.
3. Prepare a report or presentation summarizing key findings on these major projects.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed report or presentation on China's major renewable energy projects.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with standard 5DE1202 (Know China's major science projects).Activity 3
Design Plan Communicator
In this culminating activity, students will use diagrams, images, and words to create a detailed design plan for a hypothetical renewable energy project, focusing on relationships among design factors.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Guide students to draft initial design ideas for a hypothetical renewable energy system.
2. Use diagrams and images to elaborate on the design, showing relationships between influencing factors.
3. Write a comprehensive plan description that incorporates visual elements and explains the design process.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive design plan with diagrams, images, and written descriptions for a renewable energy project.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with standard 5DE1302 (Use diagrams, images, words to clarify and design plan relationships).Activity 4
Engineering Challenge: Define and Design
Students will define engineering problems related to renewable energy by exploring constraints like material, time, and cost. They will take part in a group activity to set criteria and brainstorm solutions.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Introduce students to simple engineering problems related to renewable energy systems.
2. Facilitate a brainstorming session to identify possible constraints in these engineering projects.
3. Guide students in forming acceptance criteria for solutions to these engineering problems.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA report outlining defined engineering problems with criteria and potential solutions.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with standard 5DE1301 (Define engineering problems and propose acceptance criteria).Activity 5
Renewable Energy Explorer
In this foundational activity, students will explore various renewable energy sources, learning about solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power. They will understand what renewable energy is and gather examples of these systems in use today.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Introduce the basic concept of renewable energy and its significance in modern technology.
2. Organize a research session where students gather information on different renewable energy sources.
3. Create a visual collage or presentation using images and words to showcase examples of renewable energy systems.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA visual presentation showcasing understanding of renewable energy systems.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with standard 5DE1201 (Know that technology includes methods, procedures, products, etc.).🏆
Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioRenewable Energy Systems Portfolio Assessment Rubric
Category 1
Research and Understanding
Assesses student's ability to research and understand the principles of renewable energy systems and natural inspirations.Criterion 1
Research Skills
Evaluate the student's ability to research and gather information on renewable energy systems and natural inspirations.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates extensive research with multiple credible sources, providing comprehensive insights into renewable energy systems and natural inspirations.
Proficient
3 PointsConducts thorough research using credible sources, accurately detailing renewable energy systems and natural inspirations.
Developing
2 PointsConducts basic research with limited sources, covering some aspects of renewable energy systems and natural inspirations.
Beginning
1 PointsShows minimal research efforts with few sources, offering an incomplete view of renewable energy systems.
Criterion 2
Understanding of Scientific Principles
Assesses the understanding and application of scientific principles in renewable energy systems and their natural prototypes.
Exemplary
4 PointsExhibits a sophisticated understanding of scientific principles, demonstrating how they are innovatively applied in renewable energy systems.
Proficient
3 PointsShows thorough understanding and appropriate application of scientific principles in renewable energy systems.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates basic understanding and inconsistent application of scientific principles in renewable energy systems.
Beginning
1 PointsShows initial understanding with minimal application of scientific principles in renewable energy systems.
Category 2
Problem Solving and Engineering
Evaluates the student's ability to define, analyze, and solve engineering problems within constraints.Criterion 1
Definition of Engineering Problems
Assess how well the student defines engineering problems related to renewable energy, including constraints.
Exemplary
4 PointsClearly defines complex engineering problems with all possible constraints considered, showing deep analysis.
Proficient
3 PointsDefines engineering problems with most relevant constraints identified and explained.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies engineering problems with some constraints but lacks depth in analysis.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to define engineering problems, identifying few constraints.
Criterion 2
Solution Proposal Creation
Evaluates student's ability to create and propose viable solutions considering engineering constraints.
Exemplary
4 PointsDevelops creative and feasible solutions with innovative approaches considering all constraints.
Proficient
3 PointsProposes sound solutions with sensible considerations of constraints.
Developing
2 PointsSuggests basic solutions with partial consideration of constraints, showing limited innovation.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to propose viable solutions with minimal consideration of constraints.
Category 3
Communication and Presentation
Focuses on the student's ability to effectively communicate ideas using various media and presentation skills.Criterion 1
Idea Communication
Evaluate how well students use diagrams, images, words, or objects to clarify ideas about renewable energy.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents ideas clearly and creatively using multiple media, enhancing understanding and engagement.
Proficient
3 PointsEffectively uses diagrams, images, and words to communicate ideas clearly.
Developing
2 PointsCommunicates ideas using limited media, with some clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsAttempts to communicate ideas with minimal use of media, resulting in unclear communication.
Criterion 2
Presentation Skills
Assess the student's presentation delivery, engagement, and clarity.
Exemplary
4 PointsDelivers a compelling presentation with strong engagement and clarity, effectively communicating key points.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents ideas clearly, engaging the audience with a structured delivery.
Developing
2 PointsPresents with some structure but lacks full engagement and clarity at times.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles with presentation, showing minimal engagement and unclear delivery.
Reflection Prompts
End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learningQuestion 1
How has your understanding of renewable energy systems evolved throughout this project, and what are some key scientific principles you discovered?
Text
Required
Question 2
On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate your ability to communicate complex ideas using diagrams, images, words, or objects?
Scale
Required
Question 3
Which renewable energy system inspired by natural phenomena did you find most intriguing, and why?
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Optional
Question 4
What was the most challenging aspect of designing a renewable energy system within material, time, and cost constraints? How did you address these challenges?
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Required
Question 5
Which methods did you find most effective for researching and presenting information about China's major renewable energy projects?
Multiple choice
Required
Options
Written reports
Oral presentations
Visual aids
Collaborative group discussions
Question 6
How do you think the skills and knowledge gained from this project can be applied to real-world renewable energy challenges?
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Optional