How accurate are robots? Groups draw lines by moving robots backwards and forwards by one rotation of the wheels. Using the appropriate formula, they determine the percent error in the length of the lines in relation to the calculated...

Students design, make and appraise a model wheeled vehicle that is capable of carrying a small load. This activity is part of the unit `Wheels in motion'.

Class members learn how to estimate the total costs involved to design and build a bridge by including design, material, equipment, and labor costs. The activity includes a discussion about the trade-off between cost and aesthetics.

Second graders practice their estimation skills using blocks. In this math lesson plan, 2nd graders explain how estimating makes addition easier. They complete a worksheet after the lesson plan to reinforce new learning.

How much rain can that cloud make? Through a simulation, the class estimates the amount of candy rain contained in different cup clouds. After probing the clouds using different methods, class members adjust their estimates. Participants...

Our final proposal for the cost of the bridge requested is ... In the last segment in a series of 10, pairs work together to develop a proposal for a city bridge design. The class completes a cost comparison between concrete and steel to...

Students analyze and begin to design a pyramid. Working in engineering teams, they perform calculations to determine the area of the pyramid base, stone block volumes, and the number of blocks required for their pyramid base. They make a...

Elementary learners design and construct a diagram of a keyboard on the floor of the classroom. They outline the keyboard in masking tape by estimating size, proportion, and key position. Then they can interact with the giant keyboard as...

Students investigate what genocide is as well as places that it is found in the 20th century. They trace the history of genocide back to the events that occurred in Sudan's history. Brainstorming ways to prevent the ongoing conflicts and...

Students estimate and calculate the sale price of five items using the original price and a designated rate of discount. They use percent to calculate the rate of discount and the original.

Students design and create robotic cars using Legos and the Robolab program. They hold a "snail race" where the slowest car that can be determined to be actually moving is the winner.

Using the Twist™ application, elementary schoolers design their dream room. They follow the prescribed steps to calculate width, length, perimeter, and surface area in order to create a 2-dimensional representation of their dream room...

Students utilize computer programs to operate a simple robot.  In this technology instructional activity, students create robots using Lego pieces and simple motors to move them.  Students measure the speed of the robots by...

What a waste! The last installment of a nine-part technology/engineering series teaches learners about medical waste disposal systems. Conducting a simulation allows individuals to understand how monetary considerations constrain waste...

Students practice estimating distances by analyzing a map. In this length measurement lesson, students view a map with a distance key and use their measurement skills to estimate the distance between two cities. Students utilize an...

Students explore technology by conducting a infrastructure role-play in class. In this road building lesson, students identify the techniques and manpower used to build a modern day road. Students utilize building blocks to create a mock...

Students investigate how natural hazards can present personal and societal challenges as well as the cost involved. They assess the risk analysis considerations with global warming and their impacts on an ecosystem. An estimate of the...

Students practice figuring percentages by solving written shopping problems.  In this consumer math lesson, students read several scenarios dealing with items on sale and must figure out the new price.  Students check their...

Seventh graders utilize the Internet for use of search engines to plan a trip. They research and develop expenses for a trip and divide and round the cost of things to the nearest tenth.

Students design and build a balance using LEGO, string, and a set of standard metric weights.

Students follow the steps of the engineering design process as they design and construct balloons for aerial surveillance. After their first attempts to create balloons, they are given the associated Estimating Buoyancy lesson to learn...

Learners learn about the major factors that comprise the design and construction cost of a modern bridge. Before a bridge design is completed, engineers provide overall cost estimates for construction of the bridge. Students learn about...