Set learning goals with the students for the visit.
Make sure you arrive with plenty of time for the full experience.Prepare for the experience by reading the detailed description of your Learning Lab.If time allows, this process is repeated so that further refinements can be made. The team reviews the small group’s recommendations and, through scientific argumentation, comes to a consensus about that aspect of the battery’s design. They collect data, look for trends, and report back to the team. The students will be using a unique research strategy called a “sprint” where small groups of 3-4 students will only have about 15 minutes to investigate a specific aspect of the battery’s design. From there, they will lead the research into how the design of a battery can be optimized in order to meet the voltage and current requirements of the car’s motor. The students will first learn the fundamental components of a battery (metals, membrane, and electrolyte) and how they come together to generate electricity. While potentially useful, no prerequisite knowledge of electrochemistry is required. Near the end of the visit, the teams will come back together to share design approaches and engage in a friendly competition to see whose battery will send the toy car the farthest. Each team, with the guidance of an Argonne facilitator, will develop a prototype battery that will be used to power a toy car. Your group will be divided into up to three teams. Also, be sure to reinforce the importance of collecting accurate, reliable data to them.
How to Get Involved: As the students test different features of their batteries, guide them through the process of looking for trends or patterns in their data.This promotes an environment that allows the students to collectively make decisions in a strategic and supportive way. Promoting Scientific Discourse: Our facilitators will guide your students through evidence-based debates that are essential to science.Failure Leads to Discovery: Learn from your failures and use the knowledge you gain from them to move closer to your goal.Scientific Argumentation: Resolve competing opinions by examining the data and using scientific reasoning.Collaboration: Experience how scientists use this scientific disposition to make complicated problems more manageable.