Lesson 1: What is Engineering?

Title: Introduction to the Properties of Materials

Author: Andrew Stillman

Week: 1

Unit/Lesson Plan #: 1

Unit theme: Materials, Tools, and Machines

Textbook references:

N/a

Learning objectives:

• Engineering can be defined as the use of math and science to solve practical problems.
• Design materials should be chosen based on their properties and total cost (including environmental).
• Properties can be quantifiable (quantitative) or non-quantifiable (qualitative).

Key Questions, Concepts, or Themes:

• How can we define engineering?
• How are materials chosen in the design of products?

Stage 1:

• Re-engage conversation: What do engineers do? (for a group that already whiteboarded, use their whiteboards as a reference in the discussion)
• Example: How is an engineer's job different from that of a construction worker or an auto mechanic? How is it similar?
• Go through the list of different types of engineers (civil, mechanical, chemical, etc.) to arrive at a general sense of what each type of engineer does.

Stage 2:

• Writing prompt for engineering journal: If you could choose another material to add to the paper house challenge, what would it be and why? (What properties of this material do you think make it a good choice?)
• Before beginning the sharing, informally define the term "properties"
• Have students share with a partner, then have some students share with the group. Make a table listing materials with the properties they think that make the material a good choice.
• Identify any groupings of propertie: i.e. physical, quantitative, qualitative...

Stage 3: (If time)

• Take a common, engineered object in the room and break down the materials it is composed of.
• Closing prompt for journal: List all the materials the item is made of. For each material, list the properties this material has that make it a good choice for the purpose/part it serves in the produst.

Homework: No homework in this class?

Assessments: (attach/link copies)

__ Group assessment

_X_ Observation of process/student work

__ Self-assessment by student

__ Teacher generated assignment

__ Written project

__ Test/Quiz

__ Other: ____________________________________