CM 108 Creative Process in the Physical Sciences
Academic Division: Creative Media
Pilot Course: Creative Process, Engineering Design, Computational Thinking
In Creative Media 108 Creative Process in the Physical Sciences, students will explore problems of the physical sciences, create and test hypotheses, interpret results, and iterate designs. Mechanical and electronic devices will be designed and built using physical science and computational reasoning and calculation. The creative process of science will be emphasized and practiced throughout the course. Aligned with the Redefinition level of the SAMR model, the course provides an interdisciplinary approach that builds computational thinking, deepens learning across subjects, and demystifies technical skills.
Virtual World
Student Deliverables
Assignment Summary
This project brings together the Swift programming language and computational thinking skills learned in previous assignments and activities. Using the Swift Playground app, students design a 3D virtual world with a puzzle element and code a solution to the puzzle, in addition to presenting their project, explaining their design and coding process to their class peers.
Sphero Code Artist
Student Deliverables
Assignment Summary
In this assignment, students use Swift programming language to control a Sphero robot and paint an image. They write and test code in Swift Playgrounds, applying functions, geometric calculations, and proper formatting. The task includes refactoring for fluid dynamics, practicing teamwork, and creating the image by coating the Sphero in paint and executing their design.
Bottle Rocket
Student Deliverables
Assignment Summary
For their final project, students design and build a bottle rocket using 1 liter bottles and water pressure. They apply aerodynamic principles in making decisions such as fin shape and placement, nose cone design, and the water-to-air ratio for propulsion—integrating technical precision with creative design elements.
Instructor Comments
Pilot effectiveness: 5/5
Students achieved a solid introduction to programming while creating and building using physical science methods and principles.
Value added to the learning content: 5/5
Creative Process is everything. Information is ubiquitous and can be looked up using smartphones. It’s not important anymore. What is important is being able to use information with your imagination to create new experiences and products. Elucidation and reflection of your creative process is necessary for honing and sharpening your abilities.
Improvements for next implementation: I am doing major optimization of the creative coding lessons based on student feedback and expanding the water rocketry project.
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