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Introduction to Unit- KWLQ Chart (15 minutes)
I will provide each student with a KWLQ Graphic Organizer. Each student will complete what they already know and what they would like to know about Engineering/Construction. This is an informal pre-assessment. -
Period: to
4th Grade Engineering (NGSS) Curriculum Unit
Cross-Curricular Lessons for Science Engineering Unit
*Unit Introduced on: Friday, September 30th, 2016
*Unit Completed on: Friday, October 21st, 2016
*Time Spent on Unit= 3 weeks -
Language Arts- Reading- Official Topic Introduction (15 minutes)
Introduce the unit by Reading the book: Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty -
Language Arts- Writing- Response & Book Discussion (35 minutes)
After reading Rosie Revere, Engineer. The students will write a three paragraphs about their thoughts about the book. This can include any questions they have, their favorite part, and/or any personal connections they made. After all students have finished their writing, we will have a class discussion about the theme: never give up- you can only fail if you quit. -
Science- Using the 5 e Model- "Engage" (30 minutes)
- Prezi Presentation- I will create an interest by showing several pictures of various structures (Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Big Ben, and Burj Khalifa.)
- Students will brainstorm and share about what they know and observe about these different structures.
- Students will discuss what they observe about these pictures.
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Class Discussion- "Guidelines for a Safe Learning Environment" (20 minutes)
Before having students conduct any research online, I will discuss the guidelines for a safe learning environment. -
Internet Research: Compare and Contrast two Structures & Titan Pad Collaborative assignment (two days, 60 minutes each day))
Review/recall the pictures of structures that were discussed two days ago. Students will pick two structures and use a Chromebook to complete their Venn Diagram Graphic Organizer.
*Students will also participate in a Titan Pad collaborative assignment to share what they learned about their structures with their group members. -
Science- Using the 5 e Model- "Explore" (45 minutes) & Measurement (15 minutes)
Students will use the provided materials and work together in a group setting (pre-selected, small groups of 3) to build a model of the tallest tower. Students will be asked to make and test their predictions. After the 45 minute time limit, students will measure the height of their tower. -
Language Arts- Writing- Reflection (30 minutes)
Students will reflect on their group project by answering the following questions in their Science Notebooks:
What worked? What didn't? Could we have done anything differently?
What would have happened if we folded our paper a different way?
What material gave our building the most height? -
Science- Using the 5 e Model- "Explain"- Create a Prezi Presentation (two days, 60 minutes each day)
As a group, students will create a Prezi to explain their thinking behind their model. Students should refer to the class website for directions. Once all students finish, they will then present their Prezi presentations. -
Math- Construction Materials now cost money (15 minutes)
Show students Prezi Presentation and explain that we will construct a new building with the same materials, however, each group only has $10.00 to spend. -
Share Prezi Presentations (30 minutes)
As a group, students will share their presentations with the class. -
Writing- Using a Graphic Organizer (40 minutes)
Students will work with their group to complete the Graphic Organizer. The Graphic Organizer will include the item the students want to purchase, the price, the quantity, and the rationale for each purchase. -
Science- Using the 5 e Model- "Ellaborate" (45 minutes) & Measurement (15 minutes)
Students will work together in a group setting to construct a new model of their building with the items they purchased. ($10 limit) Once all structures are complete, students will use a ruler to measure the height of their structure. -
Student Collaboration- Google Doc. (45 minutes)
Students will create a Google Doc and share it with their group members. They will answer the following questions: Explain their thinking behind the creation of their tower. What was each students’ contribution to the tower? What material helped create the most height? What did you notice about other groups’ towers? What did you learn about engineering/construction? What changes would you make? What questions do you still have? Rate your group’s participation and ability to work together. -
Engineering Formal Assessment- Individual Challenge (45 minutes) & Measurement (10 minutes)
Students will work individually to create the tallest structure- using a limited amount of toothpicks and marshmallows (20 toothpicks and 25 marshmallows). After the 45 minute time limit, students will use a ruler to measure their tower. -
Math- Create a Line Plot (45 minutes)
Using the website, www.onlinecharttool.com, students will create a line/data plot to graph the various heights of their class mates individual towers. -
Science- Using the 5 e Model- "Evaluate" Science Notebook Writing Activity (45 minutes)
Formal Assessment- Students will respond to various Open Ended Questions in their Science Notebooks.This will allow me to assess their knowledge of the main concepts covered throughout this unit. -
Language Arts- Complete KWLQ Graphic Organizer (30 minutes)
Students will complete the KWLQ Chart- this includes "What did I Learn?" and "What Questions do I still have?"
