Use Technology to Solve a Local Problem
- Design a solution to a local problem that uses technology

OverviewHow can technology and the internet help us solve some of the world's most pressing problems? Your students might not be ready to tackle global poverty or world peace, but they can start small by identifying a social problem in their local community. In this lesson plan they will design a solution to a problem of their choice that uses technology. It could be anything from a GPS-enabled dog collar to track lost pets, to an app that notifies local food banks when people have extra fruits and vegetables in their gardens. Note: the lesson focuses on the engineering steps required to identify a problem and conceive of and design a solution. Educators can choose whether or not to expand the lesson to build working prototypes. This lesson is one of three independent lesson plans inspired by Global Problem Solvers: The Series. You can read more about the series and the lesson plans available from Science Buddies here. NGSS AlignmentThis lesson helps students prepare for these Next Generation Science Standards Performance Expectations:
MaterialsOptional: if you want your students to build prototypes or mockups of their designs, you will need craft supplies such as:
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Grade Range
4th-8th
Group Size
3-4 students
Active Time
8 hours
Total Time
8 hours
Area of Science
Energy & Power
Key Concepts
Problem solving, engineering design process, internet of things, sensors
Credits
Ben Finio, PhD, Science Buddies
Developed in partnership with
Global Problem Solvers: The Series
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