Lesson plan

Predictive Analytics: POM

Students will design and systematically evaluate a solution under specific constraints for a societal need and model the impact of their proposed device on the impact of society.

Grades 6–8Grades 9–12Engineering
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Overview

Students simulate how Army researchers justify long-term funding by producing a Program Objective Memorandum (POM), guided by the question of why investing in a technology would help America in its fight against terrorism. After a Military Gallery observation activity, they rotate through four stations, including a video interview with Dr. Troy Alexander and an engineering design guide, then learn the engineering design process and build the most slender paper tower from ten sheets of paper and tape. A choice board reinforces the design process and POM skills. Students write a persuasive POM graded with the eCybermission rubric and present it to industry professionals when available.

Lesson Objectives

  • Design and systematically evaluate a solution under specific constraints for a societal need and model the impact of their proposed device on the impact of society. DRIVING QUESTION(S). Why would investing in this technology help America in our fight against terrorism? Scientific research is grounded on the need to understand our universe. However, for our US military force, science research is grounded on the development of technologies that provide our warfighters with an advantage over our adversaries. To fund these long-term research projects, Army Researchers must persuade the Department of Defense and eventually Congress to fund their projects. To communicate the need for their research, they produce a Program Objective Memorandum (POM). That process of developing a research idea, backing the idea with research, testing, and peer review, and then publishing a polished research proposal is what this project-based lesson plan simulates in a middle and high school classroom.

Standards

NGSS · 8

  • MS-ETS1-1Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.
  • MS-ETS1-2Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
  • MS-ETS1-3Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.
  • MS-ETS1-4Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.
  • HS-ETS1-1Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants.
  • HS-ETS1-2Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.
  • HS-ETS1-3Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.
  • HS-ETS1-4Use a computer simulation to model the impact of proposed solutions to a complex real-world problem with numerous criteria and constraints on interactions within and between systems relevant to the problem.

CCSS Math · 3

  • G.MG.1, 2, 3Modeling with Geometry Apply geometric concepts in modeling situations.
  • S.ID.1, 2, 3Interpreting Categorical and Quantitative Data Summarize, represent, and interpret data on a single count or measurement variable.
  • S.IC.1, 2; S.IC.3, 4, 5, 6Making Inferences and Justifying Conclusions Understand and evaluate random processes underlying statistical experiments. Make inferences and justify conclusions from sample surveys, experiments and observational studies.

CCSS ELA · 1

  • SL.11-12.1.aCome to discussions prepared, having read and researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence from texts and other research on the topic or issue to stimulate a thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of ideas.