Students would draw and construct their own models of their “dream school” working in small groups. They would first plan out their schools by drawing them out on paper. They would then use a large cardboard box as the school, and other materials including tissue boxes, pipe cleaners, cups, sticks, glue, tape, bottle caps, etc. to create the walls, rooms, and other aspects of their schools. 

Yes, I think this STEM read aloud would allow students to imagine what their own dream school would look like, and bringing that to life with their partners. I think by planning out their ideas they can set expectations for themselves before constructing their schools. 

Within this activity, students are utilizing engineering skills along with science. Students are brainstorming with their groups to create a 3D model of their dream school, while thinking critically, the students are using reusable materials to create the walls and rooms of their school. Using reusable materials is not only the science aspects, but it also allows students to use their imaginations and be creative with their projects.  

Yes, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity would all be incorporated in this lesson/activity. Having a variety of materials to choose from, students will collaborate with their groups to come up with ideas and create their schools. Using the reusable materials allows them to think critically about how to use the materials and think about what they will represent in their school. Sharing out their ideas with their group members will allow for great communication throughout the activity. 

Since this is a bigger task, students would have the chance to continue to work on this for multiple days. I think a good way to split this project up is for the groups to complete one room each time. For example, the first day, they would be creating their dream classroom. Then the next day, they would be creating the cafeteria, the next, the library, etc. They would also be able to go back and adjust their creations from the day prior. 

What is your challenge (include criteria and materials)?

Students will be challenged to build an apple boat that floats and will determine if different shapes and sizes of sails influence how the apple piece floats and if different size apple pieces float as well as others? Students will be given one apple each, toothpicks, something to cut with and simple card stock paper.  

Is it open ended?

This activity is open ended, students are given the freedom to design their apple boats however they would like. 

What 2 elements of Stem are involved?

This lesson includes 2 STEM elements; science and engineering. Students will have to use engineering skills to construct their design. Science is also included in this lesson because students will determine that apples are less dense than water when observing their boats. 

Would students use the 4 C's of engineering?

Students are able to combine and use the 4 cs of engineering. Students will collaborate and communicate with classmates while designing their apple boats and sharing their results with the class after the activity is completed. This activity also allows students to be creative and use critical thinking skills when planning and designing their apple boats. 

Can students do multiple iterations?

As a team, students will be able to complete this activity more than once after completing it once. 

K-2-ETS1-2. Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem. 

Students will work in pairs to attempt to make their own flying object out of “junk”.  I will provide lots of random craft/school supplies such as construction paper, popsicle sticks, pom poms, pencils, and more. Students will try to make something that can fly just like Violet. Then, have a competition of who’s can go the furthest.

Yes I think that this would be open ended because students are able to use whatever objects they can find in the classroom to make their own model. Each and every model the students make will be different.

Students are using engineering and mathematics. Engineering because students are creating their own models that will be able to fly the furthest out of ordinary objects. Mathematics will be used to measure how far the models go.

Students are using critical thinking when they are choosing which objects to use for their model. Students use creativity by using random objects to create their model ,they have to get creative to figure out what would work. Students will use communication to work with their partners along with using collaboration while working together. 

Yes! Students can try this multiple times to try to beat their last distance.