Wind Turbine Problem Based Learning

5th Grade Guidelines & Expectations

Ms. MayMs. Horne

Beck Elementary School September 2012

What are we learning?

• We will be constructing Wind Turbines to answer the following question:

Which blades will produce the most energy?

• We will be using an inquiry based discovery method to determine what type of blades will produce the most energy. (Students will measure the energy produced through a data logger in class.)

Student Project Expectations• Each student is responsible for working as a team to design the best

wind turbine blade. • Each group member is expected to contribute.• Groups will design wind turbine blades to test. • Groups will choose ONE variable to test. (See Variable Ideas)• Groups will test one variable through three different trials. • Example of the trials:

We are testing the length of blades. We will create blades that are ________ long, ________ long, and _________ long. (The variable is the length of the blade. The trials are the tests done with the different lengths.)

• Each group member is expected to take notes on the entire process. • Each group member is required to create their own presentation.

(Students must have individual experimental notes to complete this portion. Class time will be provided.)

Variable Ideas

• Variable Ideas:– Number of Blades– Length of Blades– Pitch/Angle of Blades– Shape of Blades– Blade Materials

• Groups are required to choose only ONE variable to test.

How will students be graded?

• Students will receive both a formative grade and a summative grade for this assignment. – The formative grade will be obtained from daily

group participation and for completing the Wind Inquiry Data Collection Summary in complete sentences.

– The summative grade will be obtained from the individual presentation.

How will students present discoveries?

• Each student in the group will be responsible for presenting their group information individually during a ‘Gallery Walk’.

• Students can chose the format of their individual presentation. Examples include: Prezi, PowerPoint, Globser, etc.

• The following pieces of information must be included in the presentation:

*Title *The Question *Hypothesis*Variables *Materials used *Steps*Results (Data Table & Graph) *Conclusions (CER)

• Individual projects will be due Monday, October 1st 2012. • Individual projects will be presented on Tuesday, October 2nd 2012.