Lesson Plan
From Blueprint to Buzz
Students will be able to apply the initial stages of the Engineering Design Process to develop a detailed blueprint and materials list for a propeller-powered electric car.
This lesson introduces the foundational stages of the Engineering Design Process and practical application of electrical concepts, fostering problem-solving and critical thinking skills essential for real-world innovation.
Audience
9th Grade Students
Time
300 minutes (across multiple sessions)
Approach
Hands-on design, guided inquiry, and collaborative planning.
Materials
Intro to eCars Slide Deck, Engineering Design Process Workbook, Circuit Diagram Guide, and Design Your Dream Car Project Guide
Prep
Preparation Checklist
60 minutes
- Review all generated materials: Ensure familiarity with the From Blueprint to Buzz Lesson Plan, Intro to eCars Slide Deck, Engineering Design Process Workbook, Circuit Diagram Guide, and Design Your Dream Car Project Guide.
- Gather materials: Collect basic prototyping materials (cardboard, wheels, small DC motors, battery packs, wires, propellers, tape, glue) for demonstration.
- Prepare whiteboard or projector: For displaying slides and capturing student ideas.
- Print student handouts: Ensure enough copies of the Engineering Design Process Workbook and Circuit Diagram Guide for each student or group.
Step 1
Introduction to the Challenge (30 minutes)
30 minutes
- Hook: Begin with a compelling question: "Imagine a world where every car runs on clean electricity and is designed by you. What would it look like?"
- Introduce the project: Explain the challenge of designing a propeller-powered electric car. Use the Intro to eCars Slide Deck to set the stage, focusing on the problem and constraints.
- Discuss 'Why Electric Cars?': Briefly touch upon environmental impact, efficiency, and future technology.
- Introduce the Engineering Design Process: Explain that students will follow this process to tackle the challenge. (Key Concept: Engineering Design Process)
Step 2
Guided Inquiry on Electric Motors & Circuits (60 minutes)
60 minutes
- Interactive Exploration: Using the Intro to eCars Slide Deck, guide students through the basics of electric motors and simple circuits.
- Hands-on Demonstration (optional): Show a simple circuit with a motor and propeller. Discuss how electricity makes the propeller spin (Key Concept: Electric Circuits, Propulsion).
- Circuit Diagram Guide: Distribute the Circuit Diagram Guide and work through the initial sections as a class, ensuring students understand basic circuit components and how to draw them.
Step 3
Blueprint and Design Session (90 minutes)
90 minutes
- Problem Identification & Brainstorming: Students will use the first section of their Engineering Design Process Workbook to define the problem and brainstorm initial ideas for their car's design.
- Introduction to Blueprints: Explain the importance of detailed blueprints and schematics in engineering (Key Concept: Blueprints and Schematics). Show examples.
- Initial Sketching & Blueprinting: Students begin sketching their car designs and developing a basic blueprint, considering the placement of the motor, battery, and propeller. Encourage innovation and functionality.
Step 4
Materials Planning & Refinement (90 minutes)
90 minutes
- Materials List Introduction: Explain that a good engineer plans for materials. Students will consider what materials they would need to build their design.
- Refining Blueprints: Students refine their blueprints, adding more detail and beginning to list specific materials in their Engineering Design Process Workbook. Encourage them to think about how each part will contribute to propulsion and structural integrity.
- Review the Project Guide: Introduce the Design Your Dream Car Project Guide and clarify expectations for the upcoming project stages, emphasizing the blueprint and materials list as key deliverables for this phase.
Step 5
Exit Ticket: Design Reflection (30 minutes)
30 minutes
- Reflection Questions: Distribute an exit ticket (or have students answer in their workbooks) asking them to reflect on their design process so far. Prompts could include: "What was the biggest challenge in designing your blueprint?", "What changes did you make to your initial idea and why?", "What is one key concept you learned today?"
- Share Out (optional): Allow a few students to share their reflections or a key aspect of their design.
- Collect Materials: Collect workbooks and any other materials.
Slide Deck
Welcome to 'From Blueprint to Buzz'!
The Challenge:
Design a propeller-powered electric car!
Your Mission:
Apply engineering principles to create an innovative vehicle design.
Why is this relevant to you?
How can design change the world?
Welcome students and introduce the exciting challenge. Start with an engaging question to pique their interest.
Why Electric Cars?
A Glimpse into the Future of Transportation
- Environmental Impact: Reducing emissions, cleaner air.
- Efficiency: How electric motors are different from gas engines.
- Innovation: The constant evolution of technology.
What are some electric cars you know?
What makes them appealing?
Discuss the 'Why' behind electric vehicles. Connect it to real-world issues and future technologies.
The Engineering Design Process: Your Roadmap
A Step-by-Step Approach to Innovation
- Ask: Identify the problem, criteria, and constraints.
- Imagine: Brainstorm solutions, research ideas.
- Plan: Develop a detailed design (blueprint!) and materials list.
- Create: Build your prototype.
- Improve: Test, evaluate, and refine your design.
Why is a process important when creating something new?
Introduce the Engineering Design Process. Emphasize that it's a structured approach to problem-solving.
Electric Motors: The Heart of Your Car
How do they work?
- Electromagnetism: The magic of magnets and electricity.
- Rotation: Converting electrical energy into mechanical energy.
- Propulsion: How a propeller uses this rotation to move the car forward.
What makes a propeller car different from a wheel-powered car?
Explain the basics of electric motors and how they generate movement. Keep it simple and visual.
Simple Circuits: Powering Your Design
The Flow of Electricity
- Components: Battery, wires, motor, switch.
- Circuit Diagrams: The language of electrical engineers.
- Symbols for each component.
- Connecting them to create a complete path.
Why is it important for a circuit to be complete?
Introduce basic circuit components and how to draw them. This links to the Circuit Diagram Guide activity.
Blueprints: Your Design's Master Plan
The Power of Detailed Planning
- What is a Blueprint? A detailed technical drawing.
- Why are they important?
- Visualizing your idea.
- Communicating your design to others.
- Identifying potential problems early.
- Planning materials effectively.
What details do you think are important to include in a car blueprint?
Highlight the importance of detailed planning and visualization through blueprints.
Your Project: Design Your Dream Car!
Phase 1: Blueprint & Materials List
- Goal: Create a detailed blueprint of your propeller-powered electric car.
- Include: All components, dimensions, and how they connect.
- Also: A comprehensive list of materials needed.
- Resources: Your Engineering Design Process Workbook and Design Your Dream Car Project Guide.
What are you excited to design?
Introduce the 'Design Your Dream Car' project. Set clear expectations for the blueprint and materials list, as detailed in the Project Guide.
Worksheet
Engineering Design Process Workbook: Your Propeller Car Challenge
Welcome, future engineers! This workbook will guide you through the first stages of designing your very own propeller-powered electric car. Take your time, think creatively, and document your journey!
Part 1: Ask - Define the Challenge
1.1 The Problem
In your own words, what is the core problem you are trying to solve by designing a propeller-powered electric car?
1.2 Criteria for Success
What makes a successful propeller-powered electric car? List at least three criteria (e.g., speed, stability, efficiency).
1.3 Constraints
What limitations or restrictions do you need to consider during your design process? Think about available materials, size, or power source.
Part 2: Imagine - Brainstorm & Research
2.1 Brainstorming Ideas
Before you draw, let your imagination run wild! List as many different ideas for your car's design, shape, and features as you can. Don't worry about perfection yet.
2.2 Research Notes (Optional)
What have you learned about electric motors, propellers, or aerodynamics that might help your design? Briefly jot down any insights.
Part 3: Plan - Design Your Blueprint & Materials
3.1 Initial Sketches & Blueprint (Use the space below and/or an additional sheet of paper)
Draw your initial blueprint. Label key components like the motor, battery, propeller, wheels, and chassis. Show different views (top, side, front) if helpful. Pay attention to how the propeller will connect and propel the car.
3.2 Refined Blueprint Details
Based on your initial sketch, refine your blueprint. Add more specific details, measurements (even if estimates), and how different parts will attach. You can use this space or continue on a separate sheet.
3.3 Materials List
List all the materials you would need to build your propeller-powered electric car based on your refined blueprint. Be as specific as possible (e.g., "AA batteries (2)", "cardboard sheet (10cm x 20cm)", "small DC motor").
Activity
Circuit Diagram Guide: Powering Your Propeller Car
Understanding how to draw and read circuit diagrams is a fundamental skill for any aspiring engineer! This guide will help you visualize the flow of electricity in your propeller-powered electric car.
Part 1: Essential Circuit Components & Symbols
Below are some common electrical components and their standard symbols. These are the building blocks of any circuit!
| Component | Symbol | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (DC) | Provides electrical energy (power source) | |
| Resistor | Limits current flow | |
| Switch (SPST) | Opens or closes a circuit | |
| Motor | Converts electrical energy to mechanical motion | |
| Wire / Conductor | Provides a path for current to flow |
Your Turn:
- Draw the symbol for a Light Bulb (often a circle with an 'X' inside):
- What is the function of a Switch in a circuit?
Part 2: Understanding Simple Circuits
An electric circuit is a closed loop through which electricity can flow. For a motor to work, it needs a complete circuit.
Example: Simple Motor Circuit
graph TD
A[Battery] --> B(Switch)
B --> C{Motor}
C --> A
- The battery provides power.
- The switch controls whether the circuit is open (off) or closed (on).
- The motor uses the electrical energy.
Your Turn: Analyze the Circuit
- If the switch in the example above is open, will the motor spin? Why or why not?
Part 3: Drawing Your Propeller Car Circuit
Now, it's time to apply what you've learned to your own propeller-powered electric car design!
Your Propeller Car Circuit Diagram
Draw a circuit diagram for your propeller car. Make sure to include:
- A power source (battery)
- A switch (to turn your motor on and off)
- Your electric motor (which will power the propeller)
- Wires connecting all the components to form a complete circuit.
Use the symbols you learned in Part 1. Label each component clearly.
Reflection:
- Why is it important to include a switch in your car's circuit?
- What would happen if one of your wires was disconnected?
Project Guide
Design Your Dream Car: Blueprint & Materials Phase
Project Overview
Welcome to your first major engineering challenge! In this project, you will design a propeller-powered electric car, applying the initial stages of the Engineering Design Process. This phase focuses on meticulous planning, resulting in a detailed blueprint and a comprehensive materials list.
Project Goal for This Phase
To create a well-thought-out, detailed blueprint and a complete materials list for your propeller-powered electric car, demonstrating your understanding of design principles and electrical circuits.
Deliverables
By the end of this phase, you will submit the following:
- Completed Blueprint: A clear, labeled, and detailed drawing(s) of your propeller-powered electric car.
- Comprehensive Materials List: A list of all necessary components to build your design, with approximate quantities and specifications.
Blueprint Requirements
Your blueprint (which can be a combination of sketches in your Engineering Design Process Workbook and/or separate drawings) must include:
- Multiple Views (Recommended): Top, side, and front views to fully illustrate your design.
- Clear Labels: All major components (chassis, wheels, axles, motor, battery, propeller, switch, wires) must be clearly labeled.
- Dimensions: Approximate measurements for key parts (e.g., chassis length, wheel diameter, propeller size).
- Component Placement: Show the intended location and attachment points for the motor, battery, and propeller.
- Circuit Diagram: A simple, accurate circuit diagram integrated into or alongside your blueprint, showing how the battery, switch, and motor are connected (refer to your Circuit Diagram Guide).
- Propulsion Mechanism: Clearly show how the propeller is intended to attach to the motor and how it will propel the car.
- Creativity & Functionality: Demonstrate thoughtful consideration for both the aesthetic and functional aspects of your car.
Materials List Requirements
Your materials list (to be completed in your Engineering Design Process Workbook) must be detailed and specific:
- Itemized List: List every single component you would need to build your car.
- Specificity: Include details like size, type, and quantity (e.g., "AA batteries (2)", "small DC motor (3V-6V)", "cardboard sheet (20cm x 30cm)").
- Consider Fasteners: Don't forget items like glue, tape, screws, or zip ties if you plan to use them for assembly.
- Reasoning (Optional but encouraged): Briefly explain why you chose certain materials for specific parts.
Connection to the Engineering Design Process
This phase directly corresponds to the "Plan" stage. You are taking your "Ask" (problem definition) and "Imagine" (brainstorming) ideas and translating them into a concrete, executable plan. A strong blueprint and materials list are critical for successful "Creation" and "Improvement" stages later on.
Tips for Success
- Collaborate (but design individually): Discuss ideas with classmates, but your final design should be your own.
- Think ahead: Consider how your design would actually be built. Are your connections logical? Are your materials appropriate?
- Refer to resources: Use your Intro to eCars Slide Deck, Engineering Design Process Workbook, and Circuit Diagram Guide as references.
- Ask questions! If you're unsure about any aspect, ask your teacher for clarification.