Critical questions for Structure and Function-
How does the function depend on the structure?
How does the structure support the function?
Are there other structures that can serve the same function?
How does this relationship between structure and function compare to others that I have learned about?
Engineering- How can the structure be improved?
How does the structure limit the function?
How do other crosscutting concepts relate to this structure?
Based on what I've learned, what other symbol could be used to represent Structure and Function?
Questions that connect to the Science and Engineering Practices-
Asking Questions- How does the function depend on the structure?
How does the structure support the function?
Defining Problems- How can we design a structure to perform this function? How can we improve the structure?
Models- How can we model how this structure works?
Investigations- What variables about this structure can we change to find out how the function is affected?
Data- What does the data tell us about how changes to this structure affect its function?
Using Math- How can we use math to measure and describe the function?
Computational Thinking- How can computers be used to study how the structure affects the function?
Explanations- How can I explain how the structure is related to the function?
Solutions- Does the structure serve the function? Did the change in structure improve the function?
Argument- What is the evidence for the structure supports the function?
Information- What is already known about the relationship between structure and function in this system? How can I best communicate about this relationship between structure and function?
How does the function depend on the structure?
How does the structure support the function?
Are there other structures that can serve the same function?
How does this relationship between structure and function compare to others that I have learned about?
Engineering- How can the structure be improved?
How does the structure limit the function?
How do other crosscutting concepts relate to this structure?
Based on what I've learned, what other symbol could be used to represent Structure and Function?
Questions that connect to the Science and Engineering Practices-
Asking Questions- How does the function depend on the structure?
How does the structure support the function?
Defining Problems- How can we design a structure to perform this function? How can we improve the structure?
Models- How can we model how this structure works?
Investigations- What variables about this structure can we change to find out how the function is affected?
Data- What does the data tell us about how changes to this structure affect its function?
Using Math- How can we use math to measure and describe the function?
Computational Thinking- How can computers be used to study how the structure affects the function?
Explanations- How can I explain how the structure is related to the function?
Solutions- Does the structure serve the function? Did the change in structure improve the function?
Argument- What is the evidence for the structure supports the function?
Information- What is already known about the relationship between structure and function in this system? How can I best communicate about this relationship between structure and function?
Why is the keystone and arch the symbol for structure and function? The arch is one of the earliest discoveries of engineering and is simple and easy to understand. Young children can build an arch and understand the importance of the keystone in holding it together. The arch as a symbol helps to connect the crosscutting concepts with engineering. The arch is easy to draw for young students and easy to see what it is when drawn. (Not true of wind turbines, wheels, of triangular bracing- all of which were tried and rejected)