Engineering Solutions

Even though the name of this resource is Engineering Solutions, the lesson is about waste disposal. Students use the Internet to design a solution to a waste solution problem. Groups work together to design a solution to the school's garbage problem.  The lesson plan has embedded readings and a timeline that motivates students and prepares them to get ready to design their solutions using Internet resources.  Groups present their solutions and students' journal entries explaining why they think the solution is beneficial or has drawbacks.  Since students are grouped, this is a good opportunity to differentiate instruction.

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 
  • To use Internet resources to explore the side effects of technology; to design, implement and evaluate solutions related to the problem of waste disposal.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding
Extension suggestions: 

To extend the ideas in this lesson, you can lead your students through these other Science NetLinks lessons that deal with issues in technology:

  • Buoyant Boats
  • Modern Technology and Farming

Helpful Hints

Materials:

Print and distribute a copy to each student:

  • Trash Timeline

References

Contributors: