Step by Step: Abstract Energy 

Prerequisite:  Basic concepts of conservational law of energy and renewable energies. 

STEP 1


Step 1: Introduction to Project  & Choosing Type of Renewable Energy
Initial hook: Show video of previous projects, show Earth Energy Video
Exploration Concept: Dioramas, Types of Renewable Energy, Transformation of Energy

  • Explanation of the goals of the project 
  • Introduction to the concept of diorama 
  • Brainstorming in teams of 3 to choose type of renewable energy to represent in the diorama focusing in the transformation process of renewable energy to energy used by humans
  • Poster Bubble Diagrams

STEP 2

Step 2: Refining Ideas Visually 
Exploration Concept: 3D Drawing Theory,  Types of Renewable Energy, Transformation of Energy
Exploration Skills: 3D Drawing

  • Continue working on how to represent the transformation of renewable energy into human usable energy
  • Illustrate 3D perspective examples and basic theory
  • Draw 3 possible designs for the diorama taking in consideration the 3D aspect of it



STEP 3

Step 3: Abstracting Final Drawings
Exploration Concept: Abstract Art, Color and Shape Theory
Exploration Skills: X-Acto Knife, Cutting Board

  • Introduction to abstraction in art (((WHICH EXAMPLES WERE SHOWN)))
  • Using tracing paper trace their representational drawings from the previous day in order to generate new abstract shapes and forms
  • Using spray adhesive, mount the abstract shapes on foam core board
  • After learning how to use x-acto knife and cutting board students cut their abstract shapes

STEP 4

Step 4: Building the Diorama
Exploration Skill: Box Building
 
  • Assemble cardboard boxes
  • Reinforce the box with triangular trusses to create a strong structure
  • Modify the boxes so that they would make an aesthetically pleasing frame

STEP 5

Step 5: Arranging Shapes in Space
Exploration Concept: Types of Renewable Energy, Transformation of Energy, 3D Representation

  • Students will continue reflecting in how their diorama will tell a compelling story about the transformation of the chosen renewable energy
  • Choosing Areas of Light & Movement students plan where their shapes will go
  • Students will draw the place where the circuit will go
  • Students will arraign the shapes inside to box and glue the ones that will not be attached to the motor. This must be done without obstructing the space where the motor will go and allowing space for the attached shapes to the motor to move.

STEP 6

Step 6: Introduction to Soldering & Circuits 
Exploration Concept: Electrical Circuit, Energy Sources, Motor, Magnetism  
Exploration Skill: Soldering, Basic circuitry  

STEP 7

Step 7: Circuit Construction & Soldering 
Exploration Concept: Electrical Circuit, Motor, Magnetism, Energy Source, Electric Switch, Gears
Exploration Skill: Soldering, Basic circuitry  

  • Revisit how the circuit should be included inside the box
  • Inclusion of motor and switch into their basic circuit through soldering
  • Finish the circuit with batteries as a power source and a solar panel
  • Add gears to the motor
  • Basic explanation about how gears work
  • Glue the shapes to the gears

STEP 8

Step 8:  Testing and Installation of Circuit 
Exploration Concept: Debugging, Testing, Multimeter, Current
Exploration Skill: Soldering, Basic circuitry  

  • Add the circuit with the shapes into the diorama
  • Learn to debug non-working circuits using the multimeter
  • Finish the decoration of the diorama 

STEP 9, 10, & 11

Step 9, 10, & 11:  Adding Text Description and Final Murals,Final Installation, Demonstrations, Presentation Preparation, & Final Presentations

Exploration Concept: Types of Renewable Energy, Transformation of Energy

  • Each team will add a text description to their dioramas about the renewable energy chosen and its transformation