INTEGRATED SCIENCE, MATH AND TECHNOLOGY ACTIVITIES:
This example of an integrated Science, Math and Technology (SMT) Activity has been provided to show possible SMT connections to the above challenges.

The machine may be designed to transport a given load (weight in marbles) for the furthest distance within a given amount of time. The success of the invention may be measured by calculating the efficiency of the machine by using the following formul(s):

Powerin = # watts  = power rating of fan

Powerout      = (mgL)/time

where:
m = mass of marbles (kg);
g = gravity coefficient 9.81m/sec2;
L = Measured distance (length) between tape marks on string;
time = time from mark 1 to mark 2

Efficiency = (Powerout/Powerin) x 100%

Students may only use the materials provided to design and make the wind machine. The suggested completion time is five class periods of 40 minutes each. During that time the students may trial test the machine at any time, but should only be given three attempts to achieve the greatest efficiency; this will permit them to make revisions to their original designs.

PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS:

These steps may be helpful to students in approaching their activity:

• Form cooperative groups (2 to 3 people)
• Brainstorm for ideas
• Sketch possible solutions
• Decide how to construct, maneuver, operate, etc. the project
• Select and gather materials
• Construct your design
• Test your design
• Present your design

RESOURCES:

The intended challenges were designed to be open-ended and flexible to accommodate a wide range of learning levels. Please feel free to incorporate additional material(s) to enhance each lesson. The categories of Exploratory, Intermediate, and Advanced provide a context in which students can understand the social and personal meaning of each challenge.

Additional materials may be found at the following locations:

• http://www.surfnetkids.com/wind.htm
• http://www.igc.apc.org/awea/aweanews.html (provided by "WIND NEWS")
• http://solstice.crest.org/renewables/re-kiosk/wind/index.shtml
• Amazon Books: ("Power from Wind: A History of Windmill Technology" by Richard L. Hills ISBN: 052156686X; "Wind Energy in America" by Robert W. Righter ISBN: 0806128127; and "Wind Power - Energy Forever" by Ian Graham to be published 1999 ISBN: 0817253645)

PROPOSED CURRICULUM STANDARDS CONNECTIONS:

The following Curriculum/Standards Connections for grades 5-8 are intended to aid in the use and assessment of the design challenge projects.  NOTE: These connections have been extracted from the National Standards.  You should check their correlation with your own State Curriculum Standards to ensure consistency with your curriculum goals.

Note on Assessment:  We strongly recommend using the Student Reflection Sheet and the Rubric provided in the Appendix to enhance the learning process, by encouraging student awareness and participation in the assessment of their work.  These tools can help students to understand the context, meaning, and value of undertaking these challenges.

Science Content Standards	Standards for School Mathematics	Standards for Design and Technology
Science as Inquiry - inquiry into wind energy and  its applications Physical Science Motion and Forces - application of motion and force to wind machines Transfer of Energy - conversion of energy into different forms Life Science Earth and Space Science Earth in the solar system - nature of weather and the operation of  wind  as source of natural energy Science and Technology: Understanding about science and technology - applications of  wind  as alternative energy source Science in Personal and Social Perspectives: Populations, resources, and environments - reducing pollution through the use of renewable energy Risks and benefits - benefits and problems of using wind energy History and Nature of Science Science as human endeavor - extending scientific knowledge through technological applications	Mathematics as problem solving Mathematics as communication Mathematics as reasoning Mathematical connections - applying math to real problems in science and technology Number and number relationships Number systems and number theory Computation and estimation Patterns and functions Algebra - application of power and efficiency formulae Statistics - graphing comparison of input and output of windmill Probability Geometry - use of geometry in the design and development of blades and sails of windmills Measurement - use of measuring tools for building models and for determining the power input/output of windmills	Design - improvement of selected aspects of  wind machines (blades, propellers, sails) Develop and produce products and systems - building of operating historical models - windmills as machines and systems Use and manage technology - research and inquiry via the internet and other sources - use of tools and machines in the building of the models Assess the impacts and consequences of technology - impact of technological  innovations on development of cities and industry Nature and history of technology - evolution of technology and its role in human and social development - evolution of technology based on availability of materials (diversity of wind machines, world-wide) Connections - integration of science, math and technology in the development of inventions and innovations