Innovation – Build a Better Mouse Trap – Solution Fluency

In Science 9, we were challenged to build a better mousetrap. Here is how the process I went through using Solution Fluency

Define:

We were given a real world challenge to deal with a situation at our school. In order to deal with the increase in mice scurrying around the school, my partners and I were given a challenge to build a better mouse trap. Some of the limitations were:

  • it had to deal with the mice in a humane way
  • it had to include an electric device
  • it had to be safe for school staff and students who might come across it

We were given full use of the MakerSpace and trained in using Micro:bits to be able to create a coded action to be part of the solution.

Dream

The idea we had was entitled “Not a fan of mice”. This design used a Micro:bit to set off a fan that closed a door when triggered. Here is out design:

Deliver

Here is part of the code for our innovation:

We had trouble getting the fan to push open the door
Debrief
I learned a lot during this challenge, particularly about problem solving. I developed more of my coding skills as well. Our group worked well together. It was very helpful to create rolls at the very beginning to guide our actions. Our product was good but could have been better. The door only opens properly about half the time. All in all

Copper – Information Fluency

Part 2

Ask – The questions that I needed to ask were:

  • What is the elemental makeup of copper?
  • Where is copper used?
  • When and where was copper discovered?
  • What are the unique features of copper?
  • What are some not well known facts about copper?

Acquire – Here are the tools I used to gather my information.

  • Google
  • Youtube
  • Pexels.com
  • Gale Engage for Learning
  • Creative Commons
  • Citation Machine for references

Analyze – Here is how I got my information and cited my sources.

The process I used to create my Sway was to use a notetaking document to keep track of my sources. I made sure that I didn’t copy from any of them but put relevant information in my own words. I used this document to make my Sway. I gathered pictures from share-friendly sources and cited all my sources.

Assess –  Here is how the product and process went.

Regarding my product, I could have had more content in my Sway. It is complete but could use some more details. Regarding the information fluency process, I followed the process completely and found that it really helped me understand copper. I think this will help me understand other elements but also help me do quality research in the future.

Sustainable Beekeeping can help stop Climate Change

My Wonder Question: How can Beekeeping fight climate change.

 

Part 2

My Questions

  1. How are bees affected by climate change?
  2. How do bees help the environment?

Tools I used

  1. Pexels
  2. Citation Machine
  3. Gale Engage Learning

Sources

I checked each source for validity. I used multiple sources. I used the citations that Gale Engage gave me.

Assess

For this project, I worked hard to . . .