The Mummified Troll: Devising a Protection Plan
Our treasured Mummified Troll!Copyright 2008 Terry Carter, Vanderbilt University
Students are introduced to the parameters of an engineering challenge in which their principal has asked them to devise an invisible security system to cost-effectively protect a treasured mummified troll, while still allowing for visitor viewing during the day. Students generate ideas for solving the grand challenge, first independently, then in small groups, and finally, compiled as a class.
Through this activity, students are presented with a need in society and asked to find a solution—a scenario otherwise known as the engineering design process. Just like engineers, students begin by identifying the need, and then defining the challenges that must be considered in the design. Before the next phase, research, students must identify the information they need to acquire through their research. Engineers of all types constantly follow the engineering design process, with the first and most crucial steps being identifying the need in society. Like engineers, students must learn to apply their peripheral knowledge to solve the identified need.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Apply their background knowledge to begin solving the challenge.
- Identify types of security systems that may apply.
This activity also meets the following Tennessee Foundations of Technology educational technology content standards: 3.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0 and 8.0.
This activity also meets the following National Science Education Standards (NSES) teaching standards: A, B, C, D, E, F; see https://www.nap.edu/topic/