This module has been developed from the Battelle Design Module Template. The Squirmy Science module, which addresses life science standards, is for middle school students who are new to the design process. The class is taught within the context of a STEM school that has an eight-week science course. This eight- week course focuses on ecology and biology concepts including food chains, ecosystems, limiting factors, and characteristics of living things. The goals of this module are as follows:
A clear understanding of the design process basics Working as a team to develop a model
Considering the limitations to determine the best model Doing research to inform a design concept
Testing a model to determine success
Writing a full report of design with multiple design components
A full understanding of ecosystems, food chains, and mealworms
Production is the essence of STEM education. Purposeful production is the definition of design. The Battelle Design Module Template is based on the process Battelle Memorial Institute engineers go through in designing and prototyping solutions to the world's problems and opportunities. This process has led to the Xerox machine, the CD, and countless other innovations! This module template is meant to be applied in a "real-world" manner—optimally driven by authentic partnerships with your community. Your community partner can help identify a need and parameters for the students' design, as well as then serving as an authentic audience for your students' work. There is a world of opportunities out there that is waiting for our students' design ability. Use this LDC module template to help the students scaffold and capture their design process with excellence.
Note: The Design Process requires that students already have the ability to test solutions in a controlled manner (i.e., carry out a controlled experiment). It is advisable, therefore, that your students be relatively fluent in experimentation prior to completing this module. If your students do not yet have a sound foundation in experimentation, please see the Battelle Controlled Experiment Module Template. These modules are part of a three-part Battelle LDC Science Collection: Data Analysis, Controlled Experimentation, and Design. The series represents a continuum of skills that build upon each other.
