Submitted by: Caroline Hutton
School: Pemberton Elementary
Summary
To combine the concept of float and sink and a study on Christopher Columbus, students completed an activity called “Christopher Columbus Boat Design Challenge.” Students completed a KWL chart. Students were presented with a variety of digital and print research tools and were allowed to select from that variety to complete their research. They also completed a class experiement using items from home to further understand the concept of float and sink. They read and studied information on Christopher Columbus. Students selected groups for collaboration to design and create a boat that would float for two minutes and have a sail based on their prior knowledge and research. Student groups used the video on their iPads to record their process. Students worked collaboratively throughout the lesson and were encouraged to solve their own problems without teacher intervention. When their boats were complete, students tested their design, showed the videos of their process, and reflected on what they had done with their classmates. The students were also able to share their projects with the parents and community by having their videos posted on a blog.
TIPC Ratings
Students had to bring in materials from home to complete a class experiment on the concept of float/sink. The teacher provided a folder for digital tools that the student could chose from to research the concept of float/sink and Christopher Columbus. Students completed a research guide with all the information they had discovered to help drive the planning and process of building their boats.
Students were to chose their own group members to collaborate with to build. Students brainstormed individually and then had to take their individual brainstorming and work together to create one plan and build one boat. The groups also had to work together to videotape their process. They had to communicate with each other through the process to solve their own problems. Their boat design and process was then shared with their parents and the community on a blog.
Teacher provided students with the criteria for the lesson and gave students the opportunity to brainstorm before beginning the project. Teacher did not intervene to solve problems but offered encouragement for the students to come up with solutions. Students had to brainstorm as a form of planning and design an boat using only the provided materials. This boat also had to meet certain criteria. They had to work together without teacher intervention to solve any problems that arose during the building time. They used technology together with a partner to create a video to show their process to the rest of the class. They were also given the opportunity to reflect with their classmates, during the class presentations.
Teacher provided the opportunity for students to design and create their own boats without teacher intervention. Students worked together to create a boat out of uncommon materials they had previously researched. Each group created something different and unique. They then used technology to share their original presentations with the rest of the class and the community.
Student Artifact
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Contents:
- Lesson Plan
- Research Materials
- Related Materials
- Visit the blog.
