Lesson 5: The Engineering Design Challenge (The Final Flight)
Duration of Days: 8.5
Lesson Objective
Students will use iterative data to maximize glider performance in a final competition.
1. Based on your failed flights, what is the single most important change you made?
2. How did potential energy (the launch) convert to kinetic energy (the flight)?
Iteration, Potential Energy, Kinetic Energy, Optimization.
ENG.02.08: Test and evaluate the design solution.
he "Grand Prix." Students launch their gliders for maximum distance. Between heats, they are allowed 5 minutes in the "Pit" to make one structural modification based on flight data.
Purpose: To simulate the real-world engineering cycle of testing and refining.
DOK Level: Level 4 (Extended Thinking).
Role-based teaming: One student acts as the "Pilot" (launcher), one as the "Data Recorder," and one as the "Lead Engineer."
Assessment: Final Project Portfolio including the "Forensic Analysis" of their worst flight vs. their best flight. Reflection and constructive feedback of fellow students.