Aim High : Optimize – TSP
GRADE 8 - ENGINEERING DESIGN :
Optimization
FIELD TRIP: Quad Cities Skate Park
Running Time: 7:25
NGSS: MS-ETS1-4
Amid the numerous active skaters at Quad Cities Skate Park, VVR Host, Steve Grubbs, recounts the evolution of the skateboard as illustrated through the optimization process of engineering design. The history of skate parks is revealed as well, in addition to proper safety gear and why it’s important when participating in this fast-paced, daredevil activity.
INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE : Word Search
Running Time: Self-paced*
Based on a traditional word search, students stand in a 360* cylinder with letters spanning the floor to the ceiling, hidden within the mass of letters are terms from the lessons they experience in this unit. By staring at the first letter of the vocabulary word students start a yellow line that runs across a word as they move their head. Once students get to the last letter, they pause and allow the word to be fully highlighted and checked off the list.
THEATER 1 : Optimization
Running Time: Self-paced*
NGSS: MS-ETS1-3, MS-ETS1-4
Topics Covered
- Steps and benefits of the optimization process
- Thomas Edison and his iterative work toward perfecting the light bulb
Assessment Answer Key & Critical Thinking Skills
- C (BT1–knowledge)
- D (BT2–comprehension)
- C (BT4–analysis)
- B (BT3–application)
- B (BT3–application)
THEATER 2: Good Better Best
Running Time: 7:10
NGSS: MS-ETS1-4
Topics Covered
- Demonstration of iterative process through surfboard design
- Stages of optimization
Assessment Answer Key & Critical Thinking Skills
- D (BT5–synthesis)
- B (BT2–comprehension)
- A (BT3–application)
- C (BT4–analysis)
- D (BT4–analysis)
TEACHER DEMO : Cooking with Wendy
Running Time: 9:39
NGSS: MS-ETS1-4
Topics Covered
- Mashed potato recipe and process used to highlight optimization efficiencies
- “Science” of cooking explained
Assessment Answer Key & Critical Thinking Skills
- D (BT5–synthesis)
- D (BT4–analysis)
- C (BT4–analysis)
- A (BT3–application)
- A (BT4–analysis)
Science Standards
NGSS: MS-ETS1-3, MS-ETS1-4; TEKS: 8(b.3.A), 8(b.3.D), 126.16 (c.4.A), 126.16 (c.4.B), 126.16 (c.4.C), 126.16 (c.4.D), 126.16 (c.4.F), 126.16(c.6.A), 126.16 (c.6.H), 126.16 (c.6.I), 126.16(c.6.J); CPALMS: SC.8.N.1.2, SC.8.N.1.3, SC.8.N.4.2, CTE-TECED.68.ENGTEC (02.02) (04.01) (04.03), CTE-TECED.68.ENTECH (03.01) (03.02) (03.03) (06.02) (06.03)(08.01) (08.02) (08.03) (08.04) (08.05) (08.06) (08.07) (10.01) (10.02) (12.01) (12.02) (12.04)