Exploring Middle Grades Science through Engineering Design with the TI-Innovator™ Hub

This workshop is designed for middle grades science teachers interested in introducing the Engineering Design Process with TI-Nspire™ CX technology and the TI-Innovator™ Hub with TI LaunchPad™ Board.

This workshop will highlight middle grades lessons including topics such as photosynthesis, cellular respiration and uniform motion that will help engage their students in new and different ways. Participants will learn to lead students through these activities to design and build models that interface with TI technology to deepen students’ conceptual understanding and STEM connections.

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to say, I can:

• Create opportunities for students to incorporate the principles of engineering design in activities that encourage them to design, build and test projects that explore life and physical science
• Leverage project-based learning to facilitate tasks where students research science topics and apply mathematical processes
• Enable students to use appropriate technology to evaluate their designs, collaborate with peers and present their solutions

Overview

This in-person workshop is available in one- and two-day options to accommodate educator-specific needs. A half-day workshop option is also available. The two-day workshop offers a more extensive exploration to topics and strategies. A virtual workshop is also available in multiple two- or three-hour sessions.

During this workshop, participants will learn to:

Day One

Participants will join in discussions and an interactive activity to:

• Experience a brief introduction of the TI-Nspire™ CX handheld including the calculator and graphs applications
• Receive an introduction to the TI-Innovator™ Hub and available sensors
• Learn the Engineering Design Process, which gives students an organizational process to design a project
• Apply the Engineering Design Process using TI-Nspire™ CX technology and the Hub

Day Two

Participants will expand on the lessons learned in day one and engage in additional activities to:

• Learn to lead students through the Engineering Design Process, including brainstorming, sketches and concept generalization
• Learn how to work with students to evaluate designs when developing a solution
• Learn how to determine which mathematical analysis process best fits their classroom
• Discuss the importance of having multiple activities to establish background knowledge
• Explore how to use activities as reteaching or scaffolding tools
• Make connections between a model and real life