STEM Challenge - Project: Electric - Design a System to Harness Wave Energy

Engage your students with this week-long STEM challenge.

The Challenge:

Many countries are now looking at the possibility of using the energy from waves in the

ocean to create electricity. You live on the California coast and work for the state’s

energy department. You have been tasked to research the advantages and

disadvantages of harnessing wave energy. You will also need to build and present a

model which can demonstrate how the state of California could use wave energy as an

alternative energy source. In your presentation, you need to explain the finding of your

research, as well as explain exactly how the process of converting wave energy to

electrical energy will work. The other coastal states in the country are watching. Lead

by example and do a great job!

What's Included

• The 21st-century problem includes a video challenge which outlines the activity in a fun and easy to understand way.

• The slideshow presentation (PPT and Keynote) allows the teacher to facilitate the pacing throughout the project.

• The teacher lesson plans include TEKS and NGSS standards alignment, and step-by-step directions on what the teacher and students should be doing along the way.

• The student notebook will guide the student through the activity. The questions will challenge students to learn new information, reflect on learned information, and provide the students a framework for the entire project.

• Each lesson is written using the Launch process. Students are going to be brainstorming with their peers and reflecting on failures and opportunities. At the end of each project, we’ve asked the students to share their ideas with the world. This holds students accountable. They will put forth the best effort knowing other students could critique the project.

What Supplies Do I Need?

Each product contains a list of suggested supplies for the project. We were very cautious about choosing inexpensive items. This project has a suggested supply list that includes: Cardboard, String, Toilet paper tubes, Toothpicks, Paper, Tape, Scissors, Plastic bags, Straws, Paper cups, Styrofoam, Play-Doh.

The supply list is dynamic and can be adjusted to your situation.

NGSS and TEKS Standards

Aside from the engineering components of this project, students will be learning about energy transformations and renewable energy sources.

NGSS: MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3, MS-ETS1-4, 4-ESS3-1, HS-PS3-3, adaptable to MS-PS3-5

TEKS: 6.7A, 6.7B

Other STEM Challenges

Project: Rocket Launch - Create Rocket That is Ready for Launch

Project: Birdman - Design a Bird Beak for a Feeding Frenzy

Project: Electric - Design a System to Harness Wave Energy

Project: Hurricane Defender - Build a Hurricane Proof House

Project: Inhabit Mars - Build a Landing Device for Mars

Project: Lunar Base - Design a Lunar Colony

Project: Move - Design a Pulley System To Move a Heavy Load

Project: Save the Oceans - Design a Device to Clean the Oceans

Project: Skydive - Design a Parachute For Your New Business

Project: Thrills - Design A Fast and Furious Roller Coaster

Project: Wind and Sky - Create a 21st Century Turbine

Project: Explore Mars - Create a Space Probe for a MARS Mission

Save $$$

STEM Challenge Bundle 20% off

Connect with Kesler Science

Be sure to follow my TpT store by clicking on the red ‘Follow Me’ next to my Seller picture to receive notifications of new products and upcoming sales.

Blog - Kesler Science Lessons Blog for more great activities and freebies.

Follow me on Twitter @iamkesler

Great info and freebies on Facebook /keslerscience

Terms of Use

Copyright © Kesler Science, LLC. All rights reserved by the author. This product is to be used by the original downloader only. Copying for more than one teacher, classroom, department, school, or school system is prohibited. Permission is never granted to enter Kesler Science materials into any form of AI for any purpose. This product may not be distributed or displayed digitally for public view. Failure to comply is copyright infringement and a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Clipart and elements found in this PDF are copyrighted and cannot be extracted and used outside of this file without permission or license. Intended for classroom and personal use ONLY. Multiple licenses are available for purchase by departments, schools, or school districts. Contact chris@keslerscience.com for more information.