Six Weeks 5 · Week 2 · Thursday

Day 4: Controlled Test or Fixed-Data Analysis

Students will record a standardized result and use failure evidence to justify a redesign.

Daily Learning Contract

  • Topic: Test and Redesign
  • Objective: Students will record a standardized result and use failure evidence to justify a redesign.
  • TEKS: d(1)(C)
  • Demonstration of Learning: Fixed-data failure analysis + individual redesign and career-role limit.

Lesson Overview

Time 50 minutes
Target Record a standardized result and use failure evidence to justify a redesign.
TEKS d(1)(C)
Evidence Fixed-data failure analysis + individual redesign and career-role limit

Fixed-Data Route and Future Demo Boundary

The supplied three-bridge specifications and results are the complete route. Provide one device or one four-page packet per student; default physical materials: 0. This module does not supply an approved physical-test kit or live-test protocol. Do not improvise with textbooks, desks, scales, loose weights, or student load placement. A future demonstration must be separately approved with one exact prepared bridge/material set, secured supports, labeled load stages and unit, safe cap, catch tray, marked keep-clear zone, tested timing, observation roles, reset, and cleanup. If any element is missing, use the fixed data.

50-Minute Flow

1. Safety and protocol check — 5 minutes

Students restate the load unit, stop rule, cap, keep-clear zone, and their role.

2. Predict and analyze — 20 minutes

Students inspect three supplied designs, predict the result, and identify comparable and uncontrolled variables.

3. Reveal standardized results — 10 minutes

Students reveal the sample results. Record sample code, maximum completed load stage, stop reason, first failed or limited element, and observation. Do not rank students publicly.

4. Individual redesign — 10 minutes

Each student names one change, the result evidence behind it, and the expected effect. Different redesigns may be valid.

5. Career-role exit — 5 minutes

Name who would review the result next, what additional evidence a real project needs, and one limit of the classroom test.

Teacher Look-Fors

Do not calculate strength-to-weight unless every bridge mass and supported load use common measured units. This core route compares maximum completed safe load only.

Monitor at minutes 10, 25, 35, and 44 for evidence-based prediction, result reveal, fair comparison/pattern, and redesign/role/limit. If one-third claim certainty before the reveal, model “predicts” versus “proves.” Accept labeled bullets when time is short; protect result, redesign, next measure, reviewer, and prototype limit. Collect one annotation/upload or packet and close devices.