"Bridging the Gap through Design" is a project that brings together the concepts and processes involved in learning both social studies and science. Students illustrate the aspects of an ancient culture that most appeal to them through a combination of Lego robotics and art. The ancient culture is connected to the modern world of computer programming and robotics through reproducing an important system in the lives of an ancient culture. Throughout the process students learn more about both technology and culture and the relationship between the two. At the same time they develop skills and knowledge about engineering design and computation. You can read the theorethical aspects of this work, in this research proposal by Prof. Marina Bers.
See pictures of the
pilot project on Aztec chinampas
Envision the process
by reading a report about the pilot project
Find
out about the workshop series piloting the project with forth grade and fifth
grade students!