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Science · Grade 6

Prototype in Safe Virtual Environments

Learners choose prototypes of the right fidelity for each design question, then use two simulations as virtual prototypes: a ramp model to map a design space and find every setting that lands a toy car in a target zone, and a heat-transfer model to screen handle materials for a camping mug. They list what each simulation leaves out, separate questions a model can answer from those that need a physical test, and plan safe physical prototyping with a hazard–risk–control assessment. An optional Going further lesson calibrates a model against real measurements and contrasts interpolation with extrapolation.

  • 5 lessons
  • About 120 minutes
  • Prototyping and simulation check: 11 questions
  • Ways to answer: choose an answer, highlight a text, match pairs, type a number, put in order and sort into groups
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What learners will discover

  • Choose a prototype of suitable fidelity (low or high; looks-like or works-like; physical or virtual) for the question being asked at each stage of a design.
  • Use a virtual prototype to explore a design space systematically, changing one variable at a time, and identify every setting that meets a specification within the model's stated rules.
  • Identify what a simulation assumes and leaves out, decide which questions need a physical test, and avoid trusting predictions far outside the tested range.
  • Plan safe physical prototyping by identifying hazards, rating risk as likelihood × severity and choosing controls, starting with removing or replacing the hazard.

Lessons

  1. Prototypes answer questions 7 steps3 practiceabout 20 min
  2. Explore a design space virtually 8 steps4 practiceabout 24 min
  3. What simulations leave out 9 steps5 practiceabout 26 min
  4. Safe physical prototyping 8 steps4 practiceabout 24 min
  5. Going further: calibrate a model and know its range 7 steps4 practiceabout 18 min
  6. Prototyping and simulation check 11 questions at the end

Keep exploring

Games to practice with

  • Marble MountainLay straights, curves, drops and splitters to roll marbles down the mountain.
  • Bridge LabBuild a bridge from beams, brace it with triangles, and stay on budget.
  • Circuit Workshop 3DWire up batteries, bulbs and switches on a 3D workbench.

More 6th grade science

Guide for grown-ups