TRAILS

Engineering Design

Biomimicry

Scientific Inquiry

3D Printing

Place-based STEM Education

TRAILS 2.0 offers a place-based learning context that enables students to explore their local environment and connect with STEM professionals from their region.

TRAILS Lesson Plans

D-Bait
Using principles of ecosystem interactions and buoyancy, students will design and 3D print real fishing lures that imitate the behaviors of aquatic insects.
Bug RVs: Build a Better Bug Box
Biology students study insects and design a box for collecting insects. This design is done in collaboration with engineering students who 3D print the final product. These bug boxes are later used by elementary students to collect insects in the
The Charging Sun: Self-Sustaining Portable Charger
Students will study the physics behind different types of flight and using biomimicry design a simple flying machine.
Zombies
To prepare for the zombie apocalypse, students research and design a 12’ x 25’ room in which they can provide all their food and water needs.  .
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Fishing Lure Design Contest

This project is supported by the National Science Foundation, award # DRL – 2148781 (Purdue University) / 2148782 (University of Hawaii). Any opinions, and findings expressed in this material are the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of NSF.

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