As I think about the K-12 Coneptual Framework in Science, which incorporates and promotes embedding engineering thinking into science, I began wondering about what type of science unit I might teach to grades 3 -5 students and then ask them to solve an engineering problem which applies the science they just learned.
In the K-12 Conceptual framework, by the end of Grade 5, students will understand that energy can also be transferred from place to place by electric currents, which can then be used locally to produce motion, sound, heat or light.
So after I teach this content through many experiences to my students and I want to assess their content. A perfect way would be to see if they could use the content to solve a problem.
I am going to share one that I have done before. Students build a cardboard house and then they are challenged to wire the house so that there is a light in each room.
What do you think? What other content areas might lend themselves to a design challenge?