Project Based Learning Activity

This is a fun activity that my first graders love!
Grade: 1st
Subject: Science
Topic: How Does Your Garden Grow?
Objectives:
Brainstorm ideas for keeping the bunnies out of the garden
Predict which materials will make the best device
Use prior and new knowledge to design the device
Standards:

K–2-ETS1-1.   Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.

K–2-ETS1-2.   Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.
K–2-ETS1-3. Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs. (California Department of Education, 2015, Next Generation Science Standards for California Public Schools,Kindergarten through Grade Twelve)


Learning Activities /Teacher instruction:
     The teacher will read the book Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! by Candace Fleming. The teacher will put the book on the projector so students can see the pictures.  In this book the bunnies keep sneaking into Mr.McGreely’s vegetable garden and eating his vegetables. Mr. McGreely tries several different strategies to keep the bunnies out of his garden.  After reading the book the teacher will lead a class discussion about the book. The teacher will write the strategies Mr. McGreely tried, up on the white board. The teacher will put students in groups of three. The teacher will have students use the engineer design process to design and build something to keep the bunnies out of the garden. Students can use their own idea or improve on one of Mr. McGreely’s ideas. The students will have a variety of supplies that they can choose from for this project. Students will first discuss their engineering ideas in their groups. Then the teacher will call on groups to choose the supplies they want to use. After designs are complete each group will share their project with the class.
Grouping:
Students would be put in groups of three. Each group would have an engineer, designer, and a presenter.  The engineer would be a job for  Kinesthetic/Tactile learners. These students  enjoy hands on activities This person would be responsible for building the structure. The designers would visualize the structure before it was made and would draw a blue print for the project. The designer would be a job for visual learners. The presenters would be in charge of presenting the project to the class. The presenter could present the project as an oral report, or as a written report. The presenter could also present it through a podcast, blog, or a storytelling app. The presenter would be a job for auditory learners. The goal would be for students to have jobs within the groups that would allow them to be successful. Students would be assigned jobs that meet their learning styles and individual needs. 

Technology: Each group would have access to computers. The computers would have a link to the book so that students could access it as they are creating their project. Students could also use the computer to research ideas for their project. Students would also have access to drawing software. The drawing software could be used by the designer to design the project.The students could also access writing and storytelling software.

 Materials
  • Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! by Candace Fleming
  • Construction paper
  • Scissors, glue, tape
  • Crayons, markers
  • Playdough
  • Index cards, cardboard
  • Popsicle sticks, tongue depressors
  • Yarn, string
  • Paper towel tubes
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Straws
  • Plastic wrap, foil
  • Small vegetable gardens – paper plates with lettuce and carrots
  • Pop-up bunnies
Assessment:
     The teacher will watch and observe groups as they plan and discuss their ideas. The teacher will observe student participation as students engineer their solutions to keeping the bunnies out of the garden. The teacher will walk around the classroom observing the different groups and lending aid to those groups needing help.
    The teacher will have groups share their projects with the class. Each student in the group will share something about their project with the class. The teacher will help guide students by interviewing them in regards to their project.



California Department of Education, 2015, Next Generation Science Standards for California Public Schools Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve










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