Unit Overview
Students investigate balanced and unbalanced forces with a focus on friction as they engineer an affordable, eco-friendly slipper with a safe amount of traction.
- Grades 6–8
- Setting: In school
- Science connection: Balanced and Unbalanced Forces
- 9 lessons
- 45 minutes per lesson
Standards alignment
We’ve developed each YES unit with careful attention to state and NGSS standards. YES units are also designed to integrate with the most popular elementary and middle school curricula. View Standards Alignment
Unit Map
Teacher Preparation Videos
Model Phone
Outsole
Traction Test Station Part 1
Traction Test Station Part 2
Videos for Students
The Problem
Using Data for Design Decisions
Traction Test Procedure
Making a Slipper
Computer Science Modules
User Reviews Analysis
Students use a simple machine learning algorithm to analyze qualitative data collected from slipper users. This module uses free MATLAB interactives from MathWorks.
- 2 lessons
- 45 min each
Step Counters
Students develop, test, and iterate a step counting algorithm to evaluate the durability of their slippers. This module uses BBC micro:bits.
- 3 lessons
- 45 min each
Our funders
Major support for this project has been provided by MathWorks.