STEM: Doodle-Engineering-Challenge (Scientific Method)
In this lesson, pairs of students will use the 3Doodler in an attempt to build the tallest structure in the class. In addition to the 3Doodler, students will be given either toothpicks or straws as construction materials. The 3Doodler will be used to adhere the building materials together. Students will use higher-level thinking skills to make predictions in order to form a hypothesis, record materials, observations, results, and analyze structures to determine the key to building the tallest tower.
Knowledge
Students have
had experience using the 3Doodler to weld objects together.
with constructing towers using blocks.
practicemeasuring in inches with a ruler.
had experience using the 3Doodler to weld objects together.
with constructing towers using blocks.
practicemeasuring in inches with a ruler.
Objectives
Students will
build a structure using the 3Doodler and wither toothpicks or straws.
record a hypothesis about the height of their intended structure in inches in a lab format.
record materials to be used in a lab journal format.
record observations in a lab journal format.
record data in a lab journal format.
record conclusions in a lab journal format.
analyze and synthesize information to determine the key to building a tall structure.
build a structure using the 3Doodler and wither toothpicks or straws.
record a hypothesis about the height of their intended structure in inches in a lab format.
record materials to be used in a lab journal format.
record observations in a lab journal format.
record data in a lab journal format.
record conclusions in a lab journal format.
analyze and synthesize information to determine the key to building a tall structure.
Materials
Students will need
3Doodler (1 per pair)
Toothpicks or Straws (52 per pair)
3Doodler (1 per pair)
Toothpicks or Straws (52 per pair)
Lesson Plan
Instructions
Step 1
Bring the students together for a group discussion.
Share the goal: During this session, paired students will use the 3Doodler in an attempt to build the tallest structure in the class.
Depending on the grade level, you may prefer having students work with toothpicks with rounded tips or paper straws.
*Note that straws must be paper, not plastic.
Step 2
Demonstrate how to begin the structure with a foundation composed of a flat shape, Students may create a triangular, rhombic, or square-shaped base for their towers. Weld each of the corners together using the 3Doodler, then begin adding levels and working up.
*Older students may require less discussion before attempting the challenge.
*Younger students may require help from an aide, teacher or older students.
Step 3
Project your computer or tablet on the screen for students to view the Doodle-Tower-Lab Worksheet. Go over with them how they are supposed to fill it in.
Step 4
Review how to measure inches with a ruler.
Step 5
Divide students into pairs and hand out the Doodle-Tower-Lab Worksheet. Instruct students to complete questions 1 and 2 before getting started.
Step 6
Hand out the construction materials and the 3Doodlers. Circle to assist and assess as students work.
Step 7
When students have completed their construction, prompt them to finish the Doodle-Tower-Lab Worksheet with their partners.
Bring the students together for a group discussion.
Share the goal: During this session, paired students will use the 3Doodler in an attempt to build the tallest structure in the class.
Depending on the grade level, you may prefer having students work with toothpicks with rounded tips or paper straws.
*Note that straws must be paper, not plastic.
Demonstrate how to begin the structure with a foundation composed of a flat shape, Students may create a triangular, rhombic, or square-shaped base for their towers. Weld each of the corners together using the 3Doodler, then begin adding levels and working up.
*Older students may require less discussion before attempting the challenge.
*Younger students may require help from an aide, teacher or older students.
Project your computer or tablet on the screen for students to view the Doodle-Tower-Lab Worksheet. Go over with them how they are supposed to fill it in.
Review how to measure inches with a ruler.
Divide students into pairs and hand out the Doodle-Tower-Lab Worksheet. Instruct students to complete questions 1 and 2 before getting started.
Hand out the construction materials and the 3Doodlers. Circle to assist and assess as students work.
When students have completed their construction, prompt them to finish the Doodle-Tower-Lab Worksheet with their partners.
Wrap Up
Measure each of their Towers to see which one is the tallest.
Ask students for feedback on what makes a tower sturdy enough to be tall. *A good foundation.
Allow students to try the same activity again based on the information observed, shared and learned.
Share students' Doodle-Towers on Twitter. #3DoodlerEDU @3Doodler
Assessment
Possible Extensions
Resources
Vocabulary
analyze - examine methodically and in detail the constitution or structure of (something, especially information), typically for purposes of explanation and interpretation.
balance - an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady.
collaboration - to work jointly with others or together especially in an intellectual endeavor.
conclusion - a judgment or decision reached by reasoning.
construction - the building of something, typically a large structure.
data - factual information (such as measurements or statistics) used as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or calculation.
design - to prepare the preliminary sketch or the plans (for a work to be executed), especially to plan the form and structure of an object, building, bridge, etc...
engineering - the art or science of making practical application of the knowledge of pure sciences, as physics or chemistry, as in the construction of engines, bridges, buildings, mines, ships, and chemical plants.
hypothesis - a supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.
observation - an act or instance of noticing or perceiving.
problem-solving - the process or act of finding a solution to a problem.
STEM - science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, considered as a group of academic or career fields.
synthesize - combine (a number of things) into a coherent whole.
Educational Standards
Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade level topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
Students will discuss how to build a sturdy, tall structure with their partners, their teacher, and and their peers.
Build on others' talk in conversations by linking their comments to the remarks of others.
Students will build on the talk of others during the group discussion and through the discussions with their partner throughout this project.
Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
Students will attempt to build the tallest structure. Students will gather information, discuss their results and then attempt to develop an improved tower.
Decompose (break down) a larger problem into smaller sub-problems with teacher guidance or independently.
Students will break down the process of building the tallest tower through the Scientific Thinking process of recording a hypothesis, observations, data, and conclusions.
Use technology to seek feedback that informs and improves their practice and to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways.
Students will use a 3Doodler to construct towers of various heights and designs.
Create original works or responsibly repurpose or remix digital resources into new creations.
Students will construct an original design plan with a 3Doodler.
Use collaborative technologies to work with others, including peers, experts or community members, to examine issues and problems from multiple viewpoints.
Students will work with a partner and with their peers throughout the doodling, problem solving and creation processes.
More Lesson Plans
