Lost In Time
In this 3-lesson unit, students step into the role of museum exhibit designers working for Dr. Morgan Meridian at the National History Museum, where they are challenged to bring history to life through interactive technology. Using a teacher-selected historical context—such as an exploration route, time period, or even a fictional journey—students conduct research while developing foundational engineering skills. They begin by building simple LED circuits for interactive maps, progress to programming a compass navigation tool with micro:bits, and ultimately combine these skills to design a cohesive, technology-enhanced museum display.
Core Content: Integrated Curriculum: Social Studies (Exploration & Geography), English Language Arts (Research & Communication), Mathematics (Coordinate Mapping)
Grade Level: Grades 4-8
ME Connection: Circuits; programming microcontrollers; interactive systems. Students explore how microchips and circuits can be used to create engaging, interactive museum exhibits. Through hands-on use of LEDs and micro:bits, they learn how simple circuits provide outputs, how microcontrollers can be programmed using block coding, and how these technologies work together to process information and control interactive displays.
Engineering Design Project: Throughout the unit, students engage in the engineering design process, creating exhibits that communicate historical understanding in dynamic and engaging ways.