-2.png){kind=avatar}
At a Glance:
| Grades: | 4, 5 |
|---|---|
| Subject: | STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) |
| Topic: | STEM Challenges |
| Lesson Length: | 35 - 45 mins |
Standards / Framework:
What will students learn in this activity?
Students will describe an invention that would solve a global or environmental problem, e.g., flooding, waste disposal, pollution, extreme heat, etc.
What should students know before this activity?
- Students should have some prior knowledge of the STEM challenge process.
How can teachers introduce this lesson?
- Review the STEM challenge process with students:
- Identify the problem.
- Brainstorm solutions.
- Formulate a plan.
- Construct a solution.
- Test the solution.
- Reflect.
- Iterate.
- Read and discuss the sample comic.
-
- What global or environmental problem was the character facing?
- What did they invent to solve this problem?
What will students do?
-
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.
How can teachers wrap up the lesson?
- Have students share their proposed inventions with a partner.
How can teachers differentiate this activity?
- Allow students to use the speech-to-text feature.
- Allow students to use the voiceover feature to read their comics aloud.
- Allow students to work in pairs or groups as needed.
- Provide a list of global or environmental problems from which to choose.
National Parks
Rainforest
Beach
Ocean
Rock Cycle
Winter
