eCybermission Program Using a 3D Printer

Source:
Lindrick Outerbridge
IS 383, Philippa Schuyler School
Grade



Overview: How can you use the to support the eCYBERMISSION Program, a web-based Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) competition free for grades six through nine. Students compete for state, regional and national awards while solving problems in their community. Students follow the Scientific Method, or Engineering Design Cycle to communicate their solutions online. The can be used to create a working prototype or final product.

Materials: Makerbot, Internet access, free registration on the eCybermission website. www.ecybermission.org

Background: The eCybermission website will guide you through the process of getting a team ready, choosing a mission challenge, working on the mission challenge, and submitting your mission folder online.

Sequence of Lesson:
Step 1: Register a Team Advisor (Teacher) and assign teams

Step 2: Students research and work on a challenge such as:

• Alternative Sources of Energy
• Environment
• Food, Health & Fitness
• Forces & Motion
• National Security & Safety
• Robotics
• Technology

Steps 3:The team identifies a specific problem in their community they can address.

Step 4 The team uses the scientific method or engineering design cycle to come up with a solution.

Featured Vocabulary:
Scientific Method - The scientific method is a way to ask and answer scientific questions by making observations and doing experiments. The steps of the scientific method are to:

1. Ask a Question
2. Do Background Research
3. Construct a Hypothesis
4. Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment
5. Analyze Your Data and Draw a Conclusion
6. Communicate Your Results

Engineering Design Cycle - The engineering design process is the set of steps that a designer takes to go from first, identifying a problem or need to, at the end, creating and developing a solution that solves the problem or meets the need. The steps of the engineering design process are to:

1. Define the Problem
2. Do Background Research
3. Specify Requirements
4. Create Alternative Solutions
5. Choose the Best Solution
6. Do Development Work
7. Build a Prototype
8. Test and Redesign

Prototype - build a working model, starting to get the look and feel of the physical features of the game.

Warm Up Introduce the students to the website http:/www.ecybermission.org Show and discuss the webinars on the site. Look at previous award winners and challenges.

Discussion Questions What topics interest you? What are some of the problems in your community you would like to address?

Activity Students will work in groups to complete the online mission folders for the eCybermission program. The eCybermission program is typically completed in several months, as the students research and formulate a solution. Google SketchUp or any other 3D modeling program can be used along with the to create a prototype or a solution.

Going Further The eCybermission program makes a good online science fair. Submit designs for patenting. Submit designs on http://www.thingiverse.com

Resources

• Google Sketchup for Educators Tutorials and tips for using Google Sketchup in the classroom to create, modify, and share 3D models.
• eCyberMission
• Science Buddies
• Discover Engineering

Standards

Standard 1: Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.

Standard 2: Students will access, generate, process, and transfer information using appropriate technologies.

Standard 5: Students will apply technological knowledge and skills to design, construct, use, and evaluate products and systems to satisfy human and environmental needs.

Standard 7: Students will apply the knowledge and thinking skills of mathematics, science, and technology to address real-life problems and make informed decisions.