Jared Torres

This lesson begins with a fun, interactive, whole-class, charades-like activity that will hook students and introduce them to the concept of machine learning. Then, we'll watch a video which shows how machine learning algorithms can be used for real software applications with a fun bowling simulation game. Included is a lesson plan which describes the activity and workflow, as well as a link to the video and a set of questions for students to answer and then discuss as a class. The students do

In this hands-on STEM activity, students will learn about what civil engineers do and that they must construct buildings to withstand earthquakes. Then, students will create their own "Shake Tables" to simulate an earthquake, atop which they will construct their very own tower of spaghetti and mini marshmallows. At the end of class, you will simulate the earthquake by shaking the table and seeing who has the tallest tower that withstands the tremor! You will need the following materials for each

In this lesson, students will learn what voltage, resistance, and current are, how they are measured, and how they relate to each other. For accelerated classes, you may even introduce “Ohm’s Law,” which allows students to calculate the current given voltage and resistance. First, a brief reading will introduce them to the concepts and vocabulary. Then, they will use an interactive computer simulation to build a circuit, adjust its parameters, and analyze the results. Included in the lesson is

Included is a worksheet for an investigation for students to discover Ohm's law, with 6 practice problems on the back. Also included is a separate worksheet with 6 different problems. If they already know Ohm's law, you can just use the 12 practice problems. If not, you can use the investigation worksheet and slideshow to teach them. On the worksheet, students will first be introduced to the voltage, current, and resistance and their units (or reminded of them). To discover Ohm's law, they wil

***MATERIALS NEEDED FOR THIS PROJECT*** Plastic binsPlastic cupsPlastic sandwich bags Duct tape Popsicle sticksSpongesSugar cubesWater!Students will use the engineering design process to design, build, test, and evaluate a flood barrier to protect their house (a sugar cube) from the oncoming flood. They will be given constraints - a limited budget, limited materials, limited time, and a few rules to abide by. This project typically takes two ~40 minute periods to complete. On the first day they

In this challenge, students will first learn about density by watching a short video and answering some questions. Then, they will use tin foil to create a boat and measure how effective it is by placing pennies inside one by one. Included is a google form in which students can access directions, watch the density video, watch an instructional/demonstration video, and upload a picture of their creation. Edit the google form to fit the needs of your class. The instructional video can be found h

For teaching isometric and orthographic drawings. I did this with 6th graders with lots of differentiation but it can definitely be done with older grades. Works best if you have 3D printers to print the objects so the students can measure. Included are the answer keys for the completed objects for both isometric and orthographic drawings, the STL files for the objects, the templates for easy and medium versions for each drawing, and blank isometric and orthographic drawing paper. Enjoy!

In this project, students will design a product out of everyday household items of their choosing. The website used is called "Stuff Spinner," created by PBS kids. Included is a google form which gives the students instructions, a link to a video with more instructions and a demonstration, and a few reflection questions and a place to upload pictures of their creations. Some students do not have access to as many materials, so I assigned this as extra credit instead of grading it. You can adapt

In this challenge, students will learn about the causes and effects of oil spills. Then, they will become engineers and learn how to clean up their own oil spill at home! Included is a video with detailed instructions and a demonstration. Also included is a Google Form with a built in quiz that you can adapt for the needs of your students. This activity only requires household materials and is therefore perfect for remote learning. The link to the video with instructions and a demonstration ca

Included is the packet I use for my bridge building project. For a sneak preview of the project, check out this link! https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CGuBJV652sA Some materials are required for this project. Here's a link to the wooden sticks I used. The rest of the materials can be found at any craft store. https://www.pitsco.com/Competitions-Clubs-and-Programs/4-H/Bridges-Refill-Pack (The basswood is a bit harder to cut but much stronger. I would recommend that.)