An important and empowering message for students is that technology and design can be used to solve global crises and save lives. In fact, some of the most pressing issues facing the world such as resource scarcity, overpopulation and climate change, will require innovative tech solutions to fix.
If the global standard of living is to continue improving, innovative designers from our student's generation will need to create the technology that makes this sustainable.
The videos below are some inspiring examples where relatively simple technologies have improved or saved lives.
If the global standard of living is to continue improving, innovative designers from our student's generation will need to create the technology that makes this sustainable.
The videos below are some inspiring examples where relatively simple technologies have improved or saved lives.
Designing a Simple Malnutrition Solution
Warning: Disturbing Images
An Innovative Solution for Providing Light
Easing Water Scarcity by Collecting Rainwater
Design Activities
Water systems are a great area to practice design with global issues in mind. Prototypes of water systems can be built using easy to obtain materials and it is easy to measure and compare students' results.
The activities linked below could be used as stand-alone design challenges or could be integrated as part of a natural resources or global issues unit.
The activities linked below could be used as stand-alone design challenges or could be integrated as part of a natural resources or global issues unit.
Rain Water Harvesting
I attended a workshop held by ENG-CITE at UBC this fall and they presented this activity. Resources linked below were shared at this workshop.
I tried this activity with my class this year a s a design challenge and it was a big hit. Students were engaged in finding a solution to a global problem. By making the materials available for this activity scarce, students were encouraged to remodel their first prototype and to be creative with the use of materials.
Lesson Plan (form ENG-CITE)
Background Info and Planning Sheet for Students (from ENG-CITE)
Student Centered Instructions
I tried this activity with my class this year a s a design challenge and it was a big hit. Students were engaged in finding a solution to a global problem. By making the materials available for this activity scarce, students were encouraged to remodel their first prototype and to be creative with the use of materials.
Lesson Plan (form ENG-CITE)
Background Info and Planning Sheet for Students (from ENG-CITE)
Student Centered Instructions
Designing Water Filters and Desalinization Systems
I haven't had a chance to try out most of these but teachengineering.org has several design oriented lessons and activities dealing with water systems in the developing world. In particular, the links below fit with this topic.
Gravity Fed Water Systems for Developing Communities
Dirty Water Project
Designing Ways to Get Clean Water
Ocean Water Desalinization and Designing Your Own Deslinization Plant
The Human Water Cycle and Collecting Graywater
Designing Water Filtration Systems