Interactive Viking Adventure
The Interactive Viking Museum is developing a new hands-on exhibit that helps visitors understand how Vikings navigated long sea voyages, as well as how modern navigation builds on those same ideas. The museum asks student engineers to create interactive displays that highlight Viking exploration routes and advancements in navigation technology. Students investigate historical navigation methods, construct circuit-based interactive maps, and program microcontrollers to activate audio explanations. Finally, students assemble their work into museum-style exhibit pieces and justify their design choices with evidence.
Core Content: Integrated Curriculum: Social Studies (Exploration & Geography), English Language Arts (Research & Communication), Mathematics (Coordinate Mapping)
Grade Level: Grade 5
ME Connection: circuits; programming microcontrollers; programmable robot. Students explore how microchips and circuits power modern navigation tools. Through hands-on use of LEDs, reed switches, and micro:bits, students learn how microelectronics process information and control devices.
Engineering Design Project: Students design interactive museum exhibit prototypes that communicate Viking exploration and navigation. Students build a circuit-based map and a micro:bit-powered audio display, then evaluate and justify design decisions using criteria (clarity, accuracy, interactivity) and constraints (materials, cost, and simplicity).