Solar SPRK+: Chariot Engineering Design

Sphero SPRK+
Average Rating:
0
Rate This Activity:
0
Intended Grade Level(s):
6-8
Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electronics,
Solar Photovoltaic
Learning Goal(s):
  1. Students will identify possible design solutions to have a Sphero SPRK+ pull solar panels as a portable power source.
  2. Students will work in groups to determine the best possible designs and construct and test these designs with their team.
  3. Students will determine the strengths and weaknesses of each design and incorporate these findings into further construction phases.
Unit:
Solar SPRK+
Lesson Number:
5
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-ETS1-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Computer Science
Estimated Activity Length:
2 hours
Files Associated with this Activity:
PDF icon Solar SPRK+ L5.pdf
Description:

Students will work through the engineering design process to build a chariot for their SPRK+ that will carry their solar panels through a maze to a charging station.  Students will draft prototypes, test their designs, and make changes to their design based on the initial success of the chariot.

Science Kit Material(s) Used:
2-Volt, 500mA Solar Modules
Other Material(s) Used:
• Building “blocks” with wheels, such as K’NEX and/or Legos • Scrap cardboard • Sphero SPRK+