Adrift in a Sea of Plastic Unit Plan

Grades:
5-8
Unit:
Adrift in a Sea of Plastic
Description:

In this unit students will investigate the phenomena of plastic trash islands floating in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The students will work to solve the problem of plastic trash islands through the engineering and design process. Using 3D printers,...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Materials Science,
Next Generation Manufacturing,
Solar Photovoltaic
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
·       Students will design 3D models using Tinkercad software.·       Students will define the problem of plastic trash islands.·       Students will describe possible solutions to the problem of plastic trash islands.·       Students will research the plastic trash problem and create google slideshows the problem and how we might fix it.·       Students will investigate different ways to build structures that both float and hold weight.·       Students will build a model of a device that could collect plastic from the ocean.·       Students will test the models they build.·       Students will communicate their results from scientific inquiry to identify factors that are important to optimizing the design of the plastic collecting device.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Culturally Sustaining,
English Language Strategies,
Engineering Design,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary,
STEAM/Arts
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
2: Developing and Using Models,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Jonathan Strunin
Relevant NGSS PE:
5-ESS3-1,
3-5-ETS1-1,
3-5-ETS1-2,
3-5-ETS1-3,
MS-ESS3-3,
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-ETS1-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Computer Science,
Environmental Sciences,
ELA: Informational Text,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing,
Math: Geometry,
Math: Graphing & Representation
Estimated Activity Length:
10 hours

TinkerCAD: Introduction to 3D Printing

Grades:
5-8
Unit:
Adrift in a Sea of Plastic
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

This lesson is designed to span 5 days with 50-minute sections. After the introduction day, each day the students work toward mastery on the TinkerCAD tutorial online to learn how to create printable 3D models. At the end of the 4 days the students will...

Energy Content:
Next Generation Manufacturing
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will complete several computer aligned design tutorials, lessons, and one project to fully understand and implement unique 3D printed designs.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Engineering Design,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Project-Based Learning,
STEAM/Arts
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
2: Developing and Using Models,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
Author:
Jonathan Strunin
Relevant NGSS PE:
5-ESS3-1,
3-5-ETS1-1,
3-5-ETS1-2,
3-5-ETS1-3,
MS-ESS3-3,
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-ETS1-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Computer Science,
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Geometry
Estimated Activity Length:
4 hours

The Problem of Plastic Trash Islands

Grades:
5-8
Unit:
Adrift in a Sea of Plastic
Lesson Number:
2
Description:

This lesson is designed for 3 days, 50-minute sessions. The students will watch videos and take 2 column notes to guide independent research. The students will examine different solutions that are already being tried and experimental solutions that have...

Energy Content:
Materials Science,
Next Generation Manufacturing
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will read and watch various informational texts and resources and take structured notes to support comprehension.Students will conduct independent research on a current eventStudents will create a google slide show or other presentation and present their findings and ideas.Students will practice speaking and listening skills.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Culturally Sustaining,
English Language Strategies,
Engineering Design,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Jonathan Strunin
Relevant NGSS PE:
5-ESS3-1,
3-5-ETS1-1,
3-5-ETS1-2,
3-5-ETS1-3,
MS-ESS3-3,
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-ETS1-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences,
ELA: Informational Text,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing
Estimated Activity Length:
2 hours

Engineering 101

Grades:
5-8
Unit:
Adrift in a Sea of Plastic
Lesson Number:
3
Description:

This lesson is designed for 3, 50-minute sessions. The students will engage in multiple mini-engineering challenges to develop their understanding of structures and how to build models. The students will also learn to use the 3D pens to create a 3D object...

Energy Content:
Materials Science,
Next Generation Manufacturing
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
·       Students will understand some basics of engineering.·       Students will become familiar with 3D pens and how to use them.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
English Language Strategies,
Engineering Design,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Project-Based Learning,
STEAM/Arts
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Author:
Jonathan Strunin
Relevant NGSS PE:
5-ESS3-1,
3-5-ETS1-1,
3-5-ETS1-2,
3-5-ETS1-3,
MS-ESS3-3,
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-ETS1-3
Estimated Activity Length:
2 hours

Design and Engineer Solutions

Grades:
5-8
Unit:
Adrift in a Sea of Plastic
Lesson Number:
4
Description:

This lesson is designed to span 9 days with 50-minute sessions. The students will use a Design and Engineering Journal to guide them in the design and engineering process. In small groups they will use the research from lesson 2 to formulate solutions to...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Materials Science,
Next Generation Manufacturing,
Solar Photovoltaic
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will take part in the engineering design process.Students will use problem solving skills to make changes to designs.Students will use speaking and listening skills to give presentations and listen to others give their presentation.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Culturally Sustaining,
English Language Strategies,
Engineering Design,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary,
STEAM/Arts
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
2: Developing and Using Models,
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Jonathan Strunin
Relevant NGSS PE:
5-ESS3-1,
3-5-ETS1-1,
3-5-ETS1-2,
3-5-ETS1-3,
MS-ESS3-3,
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-ETS1-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Computer Science,
Environmental Sciences,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
Math: Geometry,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
7 hours