Before the Activity Starts:

• Prepare materials for sketching, including paper, pencils, markers, or digital drawing tools.
• Remind students of the importance of collaborative brainstorming and concept development in partner projects.
• Emphasize the goal of generating initial ideas and arriving at a cohesive project concept.

Throughout the Activity:

1. Brainstorming & Discussion

   • Encourage active participation from all group members as they discuss possible concepts and settle on an overall idea that meets the project criteria.
   • Ensure each group member’s ideas are heard and considered.

2. Initial Sketching

   • Instruct students to individually develop sketches that communicate their vision for the concept.
   • Provide support and feedback to help refine ideas and gain group consensus.
   • Collect and review sketches shared by students.

3. Concept Development

   • Guide students as they collaborate with their partners or groups to decide on the main idea and form of their project.
   • Provide time for students to develop a draft project name and concept thesis statement.

4. Storyboarding 

   • Instruct students to create a visual storyboard illustrating their transportation concept.
   • Their storyboard should include at least 4–6 frames, covering:
     • The problem their project addresses.
     • How users interact with the transportation system.
     • Key features and innovations in their design.
     • The impact on future mobility.
   • Encourage students to use simple drawings, arrows, and labels to communicate ideas clearly.

After the Activity Ends:

• Instruct students to upload their sketches, titles, concept statements, and storyboards to the Responses tab.
• Review the submissions to ensure they meet the deliverables.
• Encourage students to continue refining their project concept and preparing for the next stages of development in their partner projects.

Hydropower, or hydroelectric power, is one of the oldest and largest sources of renewable energy, which uses the natural flow of moving water to generate electricity. Hydropower currently accounts for 37% of total U.S. renewable electricity generation and about 7% of total U.S. electricity generation.

https://www.energy.gov/eere/water/hydropower-basics

Before the Activity:

• Prepare Materials: Gather all low-fidelity prototyping materials (cardboard, tape, rubber bands, etc.) and ensure there are enough for each group.
• Set Up Randomization: Write the names of the simple machines on slips of paper for students to draw from a hat.
• Introduce the Challenge: Explain the goal of transporting the ping-pong ball from point A to point B using two simple machines.

During the Activity:

• Demonstrate and practice proper tool use (cutting away from the body, handling hot glue safely, and keeping workspaces organized).
• Facilitate Brainstorming: Encourage students to sketch multiple ideas and consider how different machines can interact.
• Provide Guidance: Walk around to check on teams, ask probing questions, and ensure they’re using the two required machines effectively.
• Monitor Construction: Ensure safe tool use (hot glue, box cutters) and help troubleshoot if a team gets stuck.

After the Activity:

• Testing & Reflection: Have students rotate through and test each group's obstacle course, observing how well it functions.
• Group Discussion: Ask teams to share their design choices, what worked, and what challenges they faced.
• Document & Celebrate: Take photos/videos of the obstacle courses in action and encourage students to reflect on how they improved their design thinking

https://www.studioroosegaarde.net/project/smart-highway

https://www.studioroosegaarde.net/project/van-gogh-path

https://hypebeast.com/2022/7/sky-cruise-hashem-alghaili-tony-holmsten-nuclear-airplane-concept