Behind the Curtain: driving question
- Context and Learners: 10th grade Geometry, equal ratio of girls to boys, about 20-35 students in a class
- Open-Ended: The question allows students to investigate many avenues. For example, students could look into screen resolution, processor speed, memory, battery life, heat output, size, physical shape, whether it will be implanted.
- Focus on the question: Emphasize that students should focus on structure and design, not aesthetics. Students will write a proposal for their project, which the teacher will approve. In addition, teachers will check in with the groups on a regular basis. The question will also be visible posted in the classroom during the duration of the unit. Periodic exit slips will require students to report how they are progressing toward answering the question.
- Focus on nanoscience: The driving question requires that students use nanotechnology to answer the question. Depending on what students explore, they will research different aspects of nanoscience, such as size and scale, structure of matter, and forces and interactions. During the design process, students will be giving the opportunity to research their topic related to cell phones making sure their search leads to nanoscience.
- Focus on real life and work beyond school: The project is relevant to students because it incorporates technology used in their everyday lives. In addition, the work of the project is authentic because students are solving an open-ended problem and will be required to research background information in order to create a new product. They will have to justify their work and collaborate with their peers, which are all skills that are needed in almost every profession.