Teaching the topic of friction force using technology-supported design based instruction: an application example

This study aimed to design, implement, and evaluate the applicability of activities enriched with technology-supported design-based instruction on the topic of friction force. The study was conducted with 20 fifth-grade students at a public middle school in a large city in western Turkey. The implementation process lasted 12 lessons. Students designed three- dimensional (3D) models using the Tinkercad program in line with engineering design processes to observe the effect of friction force and printed their designs using a 3D printer. Students’ designs were evaluated using the Design Evaluation Rubric. Furthermore, data related to the teaching process was collected using the Activity Worksheet and Activity Evaluation Form, and the applicability of the activity was discussed. As a result, it was observed that the activity had positive results in learning the subject and developing students’ skills such as engineering and design. In further studies, activities that support students’ design skills can be carried out.