Project: The History of Technology
Design Problem
The history of technology is the history of the invention of tools and techniques, and is similar in many ways to the history of humanity. Science, technology and medicine are among the most significant and influential forms of knowledge and practice in modern society. Understanding how these activities have influenced society, and how society in turn has shaped their development, is a very important task. An effective way to acquire such understanding is through history: studying how and why science, technology change over time.
Design Brief
To make students and others aware of some of the most amazing technological inventions in history, they design and make a diorama of a moment in history where an invention took place. Students draw time periods from a box and focus their research on that time period to find an interesting invention to display in the form of a diorama. All dioramas will be displayed on a time-line.
Significant Concept
Understanding how technology changed over time is important to understanding technology today.
MYP Unit Question
How has technology developed over time?
The history of technology is the history of the invention of tools and techniques, and is similar in many ways to the history of humanity. Science, technology and medicine are among the most significant and influential forms of knowledge and practice in modern society. Understanding how these activities have influenced society, and how society in turn has shaped their development, is a very important task. An effective way to acquire such understanding is through history: studying how and why science, technology change over time.
Design Brief
To make students and others aware of some of the most amazing technological inventions in history, they design and make a diorama of a moment in history where an invention took place. Students draw time periods from a box and focus their research on that time period to find an interesting invention to display in the form of a diorama. All dioramas will be displayed on a time-line.
Significant Concept
Understanding how technology changed over time is important to understanding technology today.
MYP Unit Question
How has technology developed over time?
Project: Theme Park
Design Problem
The implementation of technology influences the values of a society by changing expectations and realities. The implementation of technology can have a significant impact on society through various ways. One such way is theme park design. Theme parks are continuously changing with the design of bigger and more exhilarating rides to lure thrill seekers.
For a theme park to attract visitors it has to be unique and it has to provide a range of activities. Other factors include recreational activities; having hotels, conference rooms, shopping, dining, sports etc.
Design Brief
As a joint class project, students design and make a structure to add to a theme park. The focus will be on making it a unique attraction. The structure will either be used for recreational or leisure activities. The theme for the park will be decided as a class and all structures and activities will adhere to this theme. Students research structures and systems used in theme parks and create a safe and durable ride or building.
Significant Concept
The continuous advancements made in design have allowed us to build bigger and safer structures.
MYP Unit Question
What is the impact and consequences of design on society?
The implementation of technology influences the values of a society by changing expectations and realities. The implementation of technology can have a significant impact on society through various ways. One such way is theme park design. Theme parks are continuously changing with the design of bigger and more exhilarating rides to lure thrill seekers.
For a theme park to attract visitors it has to be unique and it has to provide a range of activities. Other factors include recreational activities; having hotels, conference rooms, shopping, dining, sports etc.
Design Brief
As a joint class project, students design and make a structure to add to a theme park. The focus will be on making it a unique attraction. The structure will either be used for recreational or leisure activities. The theme for the park will be decided as a class and all structures and activities will adhere to this theme. Students research structures and systems used in theme parks and create a safe and durable ride or building.
Significant Concept
The continuous advancements made in design have allowed us to build bigger and safer structures.
MYP Unit Question
What is the impact and consequences of design on society?
Project: Bridge the Gap
Design Problem
Before a bridge can be constructed, engineers have to consider the distance to be spanned and the materials available. Bridge construction relies on carefully planned structures to strengthen the bridge against forces of nature. These structures have been used for centuries and understanding them is vital to the design of a bridge. Engineers have designed four major types of bridges that stood the test of time.
The beam bridge consists of a horizontal beam supported at each end by piers. The weight of the beam pushes straight down on the piers. The farther apart its piers, the weaker the beam becomes. This is why beam bridges rarely span more than 250 feet.
The truss bridge consists of an assembly of triangles. Truss bridges are commonly made from a series of straight, steel bars. Rigid arms extend from both sides of two piers. Diagonal steel tubes, projecting from the top and bottom of each pier, hold the arms in place. The arms that project toward the middle are only supported on one side, like really strong diving boards. These "diving boards," called cantilever arms, support a third, central span.
The arch bridge has great natural strength. Thousands of years ago, Romans built arches out of stone. Today, most arch bridges are made of steel or concrete, and they can span up to 800 feet.
The suspension bridge can span 2,000 to 7,000 feet -- way farther than any other type of bridge! Most suspension bridges have a truss system beneath the roadway to resist bending and twisting.
Design Brief
To fully understand how bridges work, students design and make a bridge from a limited amount of balsa wood to span a gap of 300mm. The bridge will be tested with weights placed in the center of it. Students research the mathematics behind the construction of a bridge and incorporate this in their design.
Significant Concept
Today's building structures are the result of years of trial, error and reflection. Engineers have found and refined formulas and shapes that improve the strength of structures.
MYP Unit Question
In what ways has knowledge influenced technology?
Before a bridge can be constructed, engineers have to consider the distance to be spanned and the materials available. Bridge construction relies on carefully planned structures to strengthen the bridge against forces of nature. These structures have been used for centuries and understanding them is vital to the design of a bridge. Engineers have designed four major types of bridges that stood the test of time.
The beam bridge consists of a horizontal beam supported at each end by piers. The weight of the beam pushes straight down on the piers. The farther apart its piers, the weaker the beam becomes. This is why beam bridges rarely span more than 250 feet.
The truss bridge consists of an assembly of triangles. Truss bridges are commonly made from a series of straight, steel bars. Rigid arms extend from both sides of two piers. Diagonal steel tubes, projecting from the top and bottom of each pier, hold the arms in place. The arms that project toward the middle are only supported on one side, like really strong diving boards. These "diving boards," called cantilever arms, support a third, central span.
The arch bridge has great natural strength. Thousands of years ago, Romans built arches out of stone. Today, most arch bridges are made of steel or concrete, and they can span up to 800 feet.
The suspension bridge can span 2,000 to 7,000 feet -- way farther than any other type of bridge! Most suspension bridges have a truss system beneath the roadway to resist bending and twisting.
Design Brief
To fully understand how bridges work, students design and make a bridge from a limited amount of balsa wood to span a gap of 300mm. The bridge will be tested with weights placed in the center of it. Students research the mathematics behind the construction of a bridge and incorporate this in their design.
Significant Concept
Today's building structures are the result of years of trial, error and reflection. Engineers have found and refined formulas and shapes that improve the strength of structures.
MYP Unit Question
In what ways has knowledge influenced technology?