Lesson Abstract:
In this engaging STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) lesson, students collaborate in teams to design, build, and test a sailboat skimmer powered by a fan. Drawing inspiration from the Native American tradition of the Talking Stick, students assume distinct roles within their teams - the Sage, the Oracle, the Artist, and the Scribe - to create innovative and visually appealing sailboat skimmer designs.
Through this hands-on project, students apply the principles of the Stanford Design Thinking process, empathizing with the needs of sailing enthusiasts, defining the design challenge, ideating multiple solutions, prototyping their designs, and iterating based on testing and feedback. The lesson seamlessly integrates cooperative learning strategies, fostering teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving skills.
By incorporating the Talking Stick tradition, the lesson also emphasizes the importance of active listening, respect, and shared responsibility, helping students develop essential 21st-century skills. The Sage, Oracle, Artist, and Scribe roles further enhance the collaborative experience, with each team member contributing their unique expertise to the collective effort.
Through this Worlds in Motion Sailboat Skimmer Challenge, students explore the principles of sailing, fan propulsion, and design, while also cultivating critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to work effectively in a team. This lesson provides a dynamic and engaging STEAM learning experience that prepares students for success in the real world.
Lesson Abstract:
In this engaging STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) lesson, students collaborate in teams to design, build, and test a sailboat skimmer powered by a fan. Drawing inspiration from the Native American tradition of the Talking Stick, students assume distinct roles within their teams - the Sage, the Oracle, the Artist, and the Scribe - to create innovative and visually appealing sailboat skimmer designs.
Through this hands-on project, students apply the principles of the Stanford Design Thinking process, empathizing with the needs of sailing enthusiasts, defining the design challenge, ideating multiple solutions, prototyping their designs, and iterating based on testing and feedback. The lesson seamlessly integrates cooperative learning strategies, fostering teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving skills.
By incorporating the Talking Stick tradition, the lesson also emphasizes the importance of active listening, respect, and shared responsibility, helping students develop essential 21st-century skills. The Sage, Oracle, Artist, and Scribe roles further enhance the collaborative experience, with each team member contributing their unique expertise to the collective effort.
Through this Worlds in Motion Sailboat Skimmer Challenge, students explore the principles of sailing, fan propulsion, and design, while also cultivating critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to work effectively in a team. This lesson provides a dynamic and engaging STEAM learning experience that prepares students for success in the real world.
Introduction (10 minutes):
- Introduce the design challenge: Design and build a sailboat skimmer that is propelled/pushed by a fan.
- Explain the importance of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) principles in real-world problem-solving.
- Introduce the Cooperative Learning structure and the four roles: Sage, Oracle, Artist, and Scribe.
Empathize and Define (15 minutes):
- Students discuss and understand the needs and interests of toy sailboat enthusiasts.
- Define the design challenge: Create a sailboat skimmer that is the fastest, most stable, straight sailing, and most visually appealing using the provided materials.
Ideate (20 minutes):
- Divide students into teams of four, with each student assuming a specific role (Sage, Oracle, Artist, Scribe).
- Teams brainstorm and generate multiple ideas for their sailboat skimmer design, considering factors like speed, maneuverability, and aesthetics.
Prototype (60 minutes):
- Teams will use the provided materials (cardstock, straws, tape, scissors, paper clips, wheels, axles, and fan) to build their sailboat skimmer prototypes.
- Encourage collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity within the teams.
- Teams should build multiple prototypes, testing and iterating on their designs.
Test and Iterate (30 minutes):
- Teams will test their sailboat skimmer prototypes using the fan to propel them and catch the wind.
- Gather feedback and make necessary improvements to the designs.
Presentation and Evaluation (30 minutes):
- Teams will present their final sailboat skimmer designs to the class.
- Evaluate the designs based on criteria like speed, maneuverability, and creativity.
Reflection and Closing (15 minutes):
- Discuss the design thinking and Cooperative Learning process, and its application in the project.
- Reflect on the challenges faced and the lessons learned.
- Encourage students to apply the design thinking process to future projects.
Cooperative and Collaborative Roles and Responsibilities:
1. The Sage/Leader
- Research and gather information about sailing principles, sailboat design, and fan propulsion.
- Share knowledge and insights with the team to guide the ideation and prototyping process.
- Ensure that the team's design incorporates scientific and engineering principles.
- Ensures each student shares ideas and the sage is the keeper of the talking stick.
2. The Oracle?Orator/Communicator:
- Ask probing questions to challenge the team's assumptions and ideas.
- Evaluate the feasibility, practicality, and potential issues with the team's design ideas.
- Provide constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement.
Integrating Simon Sinek's Principles: The Sage as a Servant Leader
As the teams embark on the Worlds in Motion Sailboat Skimmer Challenge, the teacher introduces the students to the inspiring words of leadership expert Simon Sinek. Sinek's renowned quote, "Great leaders eat last," highlights the essence of servant leadership, a principle that aligns seamlessly with the role of the Sage in the Cooperative Learning structure.
The teacher explains that the Sage, much like a true leader, must act as a servant to the team, prioritizing the needs and contributions of their teammates above their own. In the context of this design challenge, the Sage is tasked with assuming the role of the team's leader, but with a crucial twist - they must ensure that every voice is heard and every idea is given due consideration.
The Sage, as the subject matter expert, has the responsibility to research and gather crucial information about sailing principles, sailboat design, and fan propulsion. However, their role extends far beyond simply imparting this knowledge to the team. The Sage must first and foremost listen to their teammates, empathize with their perspectives, and then carefully weave the team's collective ideas into a cohesive design strategy.
The teacher emphasizes that the Sage, much like a servant leader, must "eat last" by ensuring that each team member has the opportunity to share their thoughts, concerns, and creative visions. The Sage is responsible for carefully handling the Talking Stick, passing it around the team and making sure that everyone's voice is heard and respected.
In this way, the Sage embodies the essence of servant leadership, putting the needs of the team before their own. By actively listening, synthesizing information, and guiding the team's collaborative efforts, the Sage ensures that the final sailboat skimmer design is a true reflection of the collective intelligence, creativity, and problem-solving skills of the entire team.
Through this integration of Simon Sinek's principles and the Talking Stick tradition, the students not only develop a deeper understanding of effective leadership but also cultivate a sense of shared ownership and responsibility for the project's success. The Sage's role as a servant leader serves as a powerful example of how true leadership emerges not from a position of authority, but from a willingness to listen, empower, and support the team.
2. The Oracle?Orator/Communicator:
- Ask probing questions to challenge the team's assumptions and ideas.
- Evaluate the feasibility, practicality, and potential issues with the team's design ideas.
- Provide constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement.
- Summarizes and shares the team's ideas and plans with the greater audience.
The Oracle's Role as the Critical Thinker and Communicator
As the teams delve into the Worlds in Motion Sailboat Skimmer Challenge, the Oracle's role as the critical thinker and communicator becomes increasingly vital to the collaborative process.
Equipped with a curious and analytical mindset, the Oracle takes on the responsibility of challenging the team's assumptions and ideas. They understand that the key to creating an innovative and effective sailboat skimmer lies in thoroughly examining each design concept, scrutinizing its feasibility and potential issues.
During the Ideation phase, the Oracle actively listens to the team's brainstorming sessions, carefully considering the merits and drawbacks of each proposal. They ask probing questions that push the team to think beyond the obvious solutions, prompting them to consider alternative perspectives and potential pitfalls.
For example, the Oracle might question the team's initial assumption about the optimal sail shape, challenging them to explore more aerodynamic designs that could improve the skimmer's speed and maneuverability. They might also raise concerns about the durability of the materials being used, encouraging the team to experiment with stronger, more resilient options.
Through this process of constructive feedback and critical analysis, the Oracle helps the team refine and strengthen their design ideas, ensuring that the final prototype is not only visually appealing but also practical and efficient.
But the Oracle's role extends beyond just evaluating the team's designs. They also take on the responsibility of communicating the team's progress and plans to the larger audience during the Presentation and Evaluation phase.
When it's time to showcase their work, the Oracle steps up as the team's spokesperson, summarizing the key features of their sailboat skimmer and the thought process behind its development. They eloquently articulate the team's successes, challenges, and lessons learned, ensuring that the audience fully understands the collaborative nature of the endeavor.
By assuming this dual role as the critical thinker and the communicator, the Oracle becomes a vital bridge between the team's internal discussions and the external evaluation. They help the team maintain a clear and focused vision, while also effectively conveying their collective accomplishments to the broader community.
Through this integration of the Oracle's critical thinking and communication skills, the Worlds in Motion Sailboat Skimmer Challenge fosters an environment of constructive feedback, continuous improvement, and shared understanding – all essential elements for the team's ultimate success.
3. The Artist/{Polymath:
- Conceptualize and sketch different design ideas for the sailboat skimmer.
- Incorporate artistic elements, such as decorations and themes, into the design.
- Ensure that the final design is visually appealing and engaging.
- Collects all materials, keeps all materials organized, and is the team whip when cleaning up at the end of the activity.
- THE VISUOSPATIAL PROBLEM SOLVERS.
The Artist as the Visuo-Spatial Polymath: Blending Creativity and Functionality
In the dynamic Worlds in Motion Sailboat Skimmer Challenge, the role of the Artist emerges as a crucial one, seamlessly blending creativity and functionality to elevate the team's design. Dubbed the "Visuo-Spatial Polymath," this team member takes on the responsibility of conceptualizing and executing the visual elements of the sailboat skimmer.
From the outset, the Artist embraces their role as the creative lead, immersing themselves in the ideation process with boundless imagination. They begin by sketching a diverse array of design concepts, exploring various sail shapes, hull configurations, and decorative themes that could enhance the overall appeal and performance of the sailboat skimmer.
The Artist understands that the visual aspect of the design is not merely an afterthought but a crucial component that can directly impact the skimmer's functionality. They actively collaborate with the Sage, the Oracle, and the Scribe, seeking to incorporate their insights and feedback into the visual representations.
As the team begins the Prototyping phase, the Artist assumes an additional responsibility – that of the team's material organizer and "whip." They ensure that all the necessary supplies, such as cardstock, straws, tape, and scissors, are readily available and neatly organized, enabling the team to work efficiently and effectively.
But the Artist's role extends beyond just material management. They also become the team's cleanup coordinator, ensuring that the workspace is left tidy and organized at the end of each session. This attention to detail and systematic approach not only fosters a productive work environment but also instills a sense of collective responsibility within the team.
The Artist's visuo-spatial problem-solving skills truly shine during the iterative process of building and testing the sailboat skimmer prototypes. They work closely with the team, offering creative solutions to address any structural or aerodynamic challenges that arise. Their ability to visualize and translate ideas into physical form becomes invaluable as the team fine-tunes their design.
Ultimately, the Artist's contribution goes beyond just the aesthetic appeal of the final sailboat skimmer. They play a pivotal role in ensuring that the design is not only visually stunning but also functionally sound, seamlessly integrating the team's collective knowledge and ideas into a cohesive and high-performing solution.
Through this multifaceted role, the Artist emerges as a true Visuo-Spatial Polymath, blending creativity, problem-solving, and organizational skills to support the team's collaborative efforts and contribute to the overall success of the Worlds in Motion Sailboat Skimmer Challenge.
4. The Scribe/Philosopher:
- Document and take notes on the team's ideas, decisions, and progress throughout the design process.
- Facilitate communication within the team and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
- Present the team's final design and explain the thought process behind it in writing for the oracle. Works is tandem with the oracle to facilitate clear communication.
- Keeps track of time and pacing and has the final say on any dispute. The judge and arbitrator of the group
- The Scribe as the Chronicler and Philosopher: Preserving the Team's Journey and Facilitating Effective Communication
In the dynamic Worlds in Motion Sailboat Skimmer Challenge, the role of the Scribe emerges as a crucial one, serving as both the chronicler of the team's journey and the facilitator of effective communication. This team member, dubbed the "Cholnologist" (Chronicler and Philosopher), takes on the responsibility of documenting the team's progress, guiding their discussions, and ultimately presenting the final design and thought process.
From the very beginning of the challenge, the Scribe assumes the role of the team's archivist, meticulously recording the ideas, decisions, and insights that arise during the Ideation and Prototyping phases. They understand that preserving the team's thought process is essential not only for the final presentation but also for the team's own reflection and learning.
As the team navigates through the design thinking process, the Scribe takes on the role of the communication facilitator, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and that all voices are heard. They carefully handle the Talking Stick, passing it around the team and making sure that each member has the opportunity to share their perspective without interruption.
The Scribe's role as the communication facilitator extends beyond the team's internal discussions. They also work in tandem with the Oracle, the critical thinker of the group, to ensure that the team's progress and final design are effectively communicated to the broader audience during the Presentation and Evaluation phase.
The Scribe's responsibilities include preparing a detailed written summary of the team's design process, highlighting the key decisions, challenges, and lessons learned. This document serves as a valuable resource not only for the presentation but also for the team's own self-reflection and future reference.
But the Scribe's role goes beyond just documentation and communication; they also assume the role of the team's judge and arbitrator. When disputes or disagreements arise within the team, the Scribe steps in to facilitate a constructive dialogue, drawing upon their comprehensive understanding of the team's journey to help resolve the issue.
The Scribe's keen sense of timing and pacing also proves invaluable during the challenge. They ensure that the team stays on track, guiding the team through the various stages of the design thinking process and keeping an eye on the clock to make sure that all tasks are completed within the allotted time.
Through this multifaceted role, the Scribe emerges as the Cholnologist, a chronicler and philosopher who not only preserves the team's journey but also facilitates effective communication and collaboration. By fulfilling this essential function, the Scribe contributes to the team's overall success and helps to ensure that the Worlds in Motion Sailboat Skimmer Challenge is a truly enriching and meaningful experience for all participants.
Materials:
- Cardstock paper
- Straws
- Tape
- Scissors
- Paper clips
- Fans (1 per team)
Collaborative STEAM Odyssey: Worlds in MotionMESA style Sailboat Skimmer Challenge
As the teams embark on the Worlds in Motion Sailboat Skimmer Challenge, they will work together in a collaborative and hands-on manner, similar to an odyssey. Each team member's role is essential, and they will need to contribute their unique skills and perspectives to achieve the common goal of creating the fastest, most maneuverable, and most visually appealing sailboat skimmer.
The Sage will provide the necessary knowledge and guidance, sharing insights about sailing principles, sailboat design, and fan propulsion to help the team make informed decisions. The Oracle will act as the critical thinker, challenging assumptions and evaluating the feasibility of the team's ideas, ensuring that the final design is practical and effective.
The Artist will bring creativity and visual appeal to the design, conceptualizing and sketching different ideas to make the sailboat skimmer visually stunning. The Scribe will facilitate communication and documentation, ensuring that the team's progress and thought process are well-recorded and presented effectively.
Throughout the design challenge, the team members will navigate through the design thinking process together, working collaboratively to overcome challenges and iterate on their designs. They will build multiple prototypes, test them, and make necessary improvements, all while leveraging each team member's strengths and diverse perspectives.
The Cooperative Learning structure encourages active participation and shared responsibility, fostering a sense of teamwork and camaraderie. As the teams present their final designs, they will not only showcase their innovative creations but also reflect on the valuable lessons learned through the design thinking and Cooperative Learning process.
This collaborative odyssey not only allows students to explore the exciting world of sailing and fan-powered propulsion but also develops their critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills – essential skills for success in the 21st century. Prototype and Iterate: Collaborative Efforts Shine
As the teams dive into the Prototype phase of the Worlds in Motion Sailboat Skimmer Challenge, the collaborative nature of their efforts becomes increasingly evident. Armed with the materials provided - cardstock, straws, tape, scissors, and a fan - the teams work together to bring their design ideas to life.
- Fans (1 per team)
Collaborative STEAM Odyssey: Worlds in MotionMESA style Sailboat Skimmer Challenge
As the teams embark on the Worlds in Motion Sailboat Skimmer Challenge, they will work together in a collaborative and hands-on manner, similar to an odyssey. Each team member's role is essential, and they will need to contribute their unique skills and perspectives to achieve the common goal of creating the fastest, most maneuverable, and most visually appealing sailboat skimmer.
The Sage will provide the necessary knowledge and guidance, sharing insights about sailing principles, sailboat design, and fan propulsion to help the team make informed decisions. The Oracle will act as the critical thinker, challenging assumptions and evaluating the feasibility of the team's ideas, ensuring that the final design is practical and effective.
The Artist will bring creativity and visual appeal to the design, conceptualizing and sketching different ideas to make the sailboat skimmer visually stunning. The Scribe will facilitate communication and documentation, ensuring that the team's progress and thought process are well-recorded and presented effectively.
Throughout the design challenge, the team members will navigate through the design thinking process together, working collaboratively to overcome challenges and iterate on their designs. They will build multiple prototypes, test them, and make necessary improvements, all while leveraging each team member's strengths and diverse perspectives.
The Cooperative Learning structure encourages active participation and shared responsibility, fostering a sense of teamwork and camaraderie. As the teams present their final designs, they will not only showcase their innovative creations but also reflect on the valuable lessons learned through the design thinking and Cooperative Learning process.
This collaborative odyssey not only allows students to explore the exciting world of sailing and fan-powered propulsion but also develops their critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills – essential skills for success in the 21st century. Prototype and Iterate: Collaborative Efforts Shine
As the teams dive into the Prototype phase of the Worlds in Motion Sailboat Skimmer Challenge, the collaborative nature of their efforts becomes increasingly evident. Armed with the materials provided - cardstock, straws, tape, scissors, and a fan - the teams work together to bring their design ideas to life.
The Sage takes the lead in guiding the team, sharing their knowledge about sailing principles and fan propulsion. They explain the importance of factors like weight distribution, sail shape, and air flow to ensure the sailboat skimmer's speed and maneuverability. The team listens intently, eager to incorporate this valuable information into their prototypes.
Meanwhile, the Oracle carefully examines each design concept, asking thought-provoking questions and providing constructive feedback. They challenge the team to consider potential issues, such as the stability of the sailboat or the durability of the materials used. Their critical thinking helps the team refine and strengthen their designs.
The Artist, brimming with creativity, begins sketching various ideas for the sailboat's appearance. They experiment with different sail shapes, colors, and decorative elements, aiming to create a visually stunning and eye-catching design. The team is captivated by the Artist's renderings, and they incorporate the most promising ideas into their prototyping efforts.
The Scribe diligently documents the team's progress, recording the design decisions, challenges encountered, and lessons learned. They ensure that the team's thought process is clearly communicated, making it easier to present their final design and the evolution of their creative process.
As the teams build their prototypes, they engage in active collaboration, sharing tools, offering suggestions, and troubleshooting together. The Sage, Oracle, Artist, and Scribe work in harmony, each contributing their unique expertise to the collective endeavor. The room buzzes with the sound of cutting, taping, and the occasional laughter as they overcome obstacles and celebrate small victories.
Through multiple iterations, the teams refine their sailboat skimmer designs, testing them with the fan and making adjustments based on the results. They experiment with different sail shapes, weight distributions, and propulsion mechanisms, driven by a shared determination to create the ultimate sailing machine.
This collaborative STEAM odyssey, fueled by the Cooperative Learning structure, fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared responsibility among the team members. They recognize that their individual roles are essential to the team's success, and they embrace the opportunity to learn from one another, ultimately shaping a stronger and more innovative final design.
Incorporating the Native American Tradition of the Talking Stick
Before the teams begin their collaborative efforts, the teacher introduces the students to the Native American tradition of the Talking Stick. This ancient practice is rooted in the principle of respectful communication and active listening, which aligns perfectly with the goals of the Worlds in Motion Sailboat Skimmer Challenge.
The teacher explains that the Talking Stick is a revered symbol used in many Native American cultures to facilitate meaningful dialogue and ensure that everyone's voice is heard. When a person holds the Talking Stick, they are granted the sole responsibility to speak, while the rest of the group listens attentively, without interruption.
The teacher emphasizes the significance of the Talking Stick, highlighting how it fosters a sense of community, understanding, and mutual respect. By adopting this tradition, the students will learn to communicate effectively, express their ideas clearly, and actively listen to their peers, all of which are essential skills for successful collaboration.
The teacher then introduces the Talking Stick to the students, encouraging them to handle it with care and reverence. They explain that the Talking Stick will be passed around the team, and whoever is holding it will have the floor to share their thoughts, ideas, or concerns without interruption from the rest of the group.
The teacher encourages the students to embrace the Talking Stick as a tool for effective communication, problem-solving, and team bonding. They emphasize that the Talking Stick should be used respectfully and judiciously, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute to the design process.
By incorporating the Talking Stick tradition into the Worlds in Motion Sailboat Skimmer Challenge, the teacher fosters a learning environment that values diversity, inclusion, and active participation. This cultural element not only enhances the collaborative experience but also helps students develop essential skills for effective teamwork and communication, preparing them for success in the 21st century.
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