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    There’s an App for That

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

    Lesson Length: 30 - 40 mins

    Topic: STEM Challenges

    Grade Level: 6, 7

    Standards / Framework:

    Brief Description: In this lesson, students will develop the idea for an app that will solve a problem they encounter at home or at school.

    Know Before You Start: Students should be familiar with the design thinking process, in which a product is designed to solve a problem, fueled by empathy for the user.

    Hook:

    • Read and discuss the sample comic.
      • Do you think Kaya’s app will work?
      • How would you make the app better? 
    • Brainstorm a list of common problems at home and or school, e.g., completing chores, losing items around the house, being able to focus on homework, time management, sports practice, etc.
    • Evaluate the list as a class, narrowing it down to problems that could potentially be solved with the use of an app.

    Activity:

    • Have students come up with an app to solve one of these problems.
    • Have students sketch a diagram of the app on scrap paper or using a graphic organizer.
    • Using the sample comic as a guide, have students create a three-to-five-panel comic which describes the problem, the app, how the app will solve the problem.
    • Remind students to be creative and have fun!

    Closure:

    • Have students share their amazing app ideas with the class.

    Differentiation:

    • 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 visuals of common problems to help generate ideas.

    Resources:

    • Comic to print or display

    Suggested Content Packs:

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