Table 1 Completed task adaptation chart for the “Packing It In” task
MEA features | Task strengths | Adaptations required |
|---|---|---|
Open ended | Ambiguity of the expected solution is a strength Giving advice to a client | Allowing students to choose own dimensions. Writing dimensions on truck = visual help |
Client driven | Giving advice to a client Helping Stefan pack | Background on Stefan What is he packing? Pack: back → front/bottom → top Stack boxes on top of each other |
Math similar to real life | Giving advice to a client Actual dimensions of truck and boxes | Providing the dimensions of the truck bed and asking what dimension boxes would fit most ideally in a truck of that volume (realistic) Manipulative: snap cubes, base 10, Snap cubes are more ideal, can snap more together, and make a scale Graph paper—make bed of truck |
Engineering design process | Giving advice to a client | Create the box—using manipulatives Create change as they go along Making more focused in design process. |