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    Global Problem Solvers

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    Subject: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)

    Lesson Length: 35 - 45 mins

    Topic: STEM Challenges

    Grade Level: 4, 5

    Standards / Framework:

    Brief Description: Students will describe an invention that would solve a global or environmental problem, e.g., flooding, waste disposal, pollution, extreme heat, etc.

    Know Before You Start:

    • Review the STEM challenge process with students:
      • Identify the problem.
      • Brainstorm solutions.
      • Formulate a plan.
      • Construct a solution.
      • Test the solution.
      • Reflect.
      • Iterate.

    Hook:

    • Read and discuss the sample comic.
      • What global or environmental problem was the character facing?
      • What did they invent to solve this problem?

    Activity:

    • As a class or independently, have students brainstorm a list of global or environmental problems.

    • Discuss the function of a prototype. A prototype is a sample solution and can be as simple as a description or drawing.

    • Have students create a five-panel comic describing a prototype solution to a global problem which includes the following:

      • The problem.

      • Possible solutions.

      • A plan or prototype and an explanation about how it would solve the problem.

    • Explain that they will not be able to test their solution, as they would on a home or school problem. 

    Closure:

    • Have students share their proposed inventions with a partner.

    Differentiation:

    • Allow students to use the speech-to-text feature.
    • Allow students to work in pairs or groups as needed.
    • Provide a list of global or environmental problems from which to choose.

    Resources:

    • Comic to print or display: Comic.

    Suggested Content Packs:

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    In this lesson, students will imagine an invention that would solve a problem at home or at school.