https://padlet.com/wryba/7wzh637zaoucihmr Description and review of: Exploring the Engineering Design Process Through Computer-Aided Design and 3-D Printing en-us 2021-02-21 15:43:19 UTC 2021-02-21 16:28:04 UTC hello@padlet.com wryba https://padlet.com/wryba/7wzh637zaoucihmr/wish/1223544624 This article focused on the power of integrating project based instruction into the STEM classroom. The main point that was made in this article is that integrated science education is the way of future learning. The authors described how using projects that cross the traditional boundaries between classes allows for a more immersive and authentic student experience of described processes. In this article the scenario of students designing and prototyping a pinewood derby car is presented with a modern engineering twist: instead of the traditional wood body they would be 3D printing their cars body. This presents the students the ultimate control of testing for variables of aerodynamics as they can now more precisely control the final shape of their design. Additionally, the article delves deeply into the idea of the immersive experience of design and making the experience as authentic as possible, and drawing parallels to real world engineering, such that the students see the value of what they are learning and the skills that they are developing. The article also delves into the potential for assessment along the path and the idea that the students should be able to formulate and defend a design poster by the end of the project. ]]> 2021-02-21 15:45:56 UTC https://padlet.com/wryba/7wzh637zaoucihmr/wish/1223544624 wryba https://padlet.com/wryba/7wzh637zaoucihmr/wish/1223569178 While it would be interesting to implement a Pinewood Derby lesson into the chemistry classroom especially with 3D printing, that is not the main point of this article. The article is emphasizing the importance of immersive, or deep, learning experiences in the modern classroom. Implementing a project into traditional classrooms might seem daunting but if it is done correctly it can meet the current standards and keep the students highly engaged. 
A project that I have toyed with for a chemistry classroom is designing a rocket engine. One of my favourite films and one of the reasons I love science as much as I do is October Sky, the story of how Homer Hickam and his experiments with rockets in his backyard. Luckily for me and the application of rocketry to the chemistry classroom there is a lot of chemistry involved in the production of a rockets engine. Additionally there are some great resources that are available to use from The American Rocketry Challenge, or TARC. While not an explicate part of the challenge it would be an interesting project to have the students determine what rocket fuel would be most viable for their model rocket. This could be integrated with both physics, maths, and engineering. ]]> 2021-02-21 15:58:58 UTC https://padlet.com/wryba/7wzh637zaoucihmr/wish/1223569178 wryba https://padlet.com/wryba/7wzh637zaoucihmr/wish/1223596357 While eloquently written and envisioning many hiccups that might befall a teacher implementing this type of project, this article does merit some critiques. The first and most major critique is not limited to this project based learning but more geared towards the implementation of PBL. PBL is a very powerful learning tool and works well if it is the style of teaching that is most often employed in the classroom, it is proven to have the students learn better than traditional teaching practices. However, it is a commitment and works best if the school system is committed to PBL. If the school system is not committed to PBL then it is likely that the implementation of the project will be mired with a lack of student understanding about their role in the project. Additionally, PBL is often not accepted by school systems as it moves students away from traditionally accepted learning verification models like standardized tests.
With this being said I do not think this is a reason to not implement PBL into as many STEM classrooms as possible due to the fact that the most common complaint about school from students is "when will I ever use this?". Implementing PBL and drawing connections to the real world in the lesson answers that question. ]]> 2021-02-21 16:14:04 UTC https://padlet.com/wryba/7wzh637zaoucihmr/wish/1223596357 wryba https://padlet.com/wryba/7wzh637zaoucihmr/wish/1223617657 If planning on conducting this lesson it is important to know that this concept has been covered extensively in a variety of locations so student may come in with background knowledge.]]> 2021-02-21 16:25:46 UTC https://padlet.com/wryba/7wzh637zaoucihmr/wish/1223617657