Author:
William Allred, Carrie Robledo
Subject:
Science
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Level:
Upper Primary
Grade:
4
Tags:
35-AP-06, 35-ap-06, K-5 Design Thinking, K-5 Engineering, STEM, k-5-design-thinking, k-5-engineering, k5engineers, stem
License:
Creative Commons Attribution
Language:
English

Education Standards

4th Grade: Sphero Natural Disasters/Rescue

4th Grade:  Sphero Natural Disasters/Rescue

Overview

Students will create a fictitious city that has experienced a natural disaster. Once their city is completed, students will create a vehicle to transport supplies to the people who need help.

Instructor Directions

 

Engineering Design Process

4:  Sphero Natural Disasters/Rescue

Driving Question / ScenarioA city has been struck by a natural disaster. You need to use your Sphero to bring supplies to the people who need your help.
Project SummaryStudents will create a fictitious city that has experienced a natural disaster. Once their city is completed, students will create a vehicle to transport supplies to the people who need help.
Estimated Time3 hours or 3 class periods
Materials / ResourcesModeling clayConstruction paperPoster paper or bulletin board paperPlastic cupsPopsicle sticksMarkersStringTapeGluePipe cleanersSpheroChromebook or iPad Air or newer
Standards4.E.2.3:  Give examples of how the surface of the earth changes due to slow processes such as erosion and weathering, and rapid processes such as landslides, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes.
Project Outline
AskHow can you create a vehicle that attaches to a Sphero to deliver supplies to people who have just experienced a natural disaster?
ImagineBrainstorm ideas of what natural disaster(s) you would like to include in your city as well as how you would like your city to be laid out.
PlanStudents need to come up with a plan for how they want to create their vehicle using the supplies provided.
CreateFollowing the plans that were made earlier, students need to create their city that includes a natural disaster. Students should also build the vehicle that will transport supplies to people in need. They will use the Chromebook (or iPad) to drive the Sphero around their city.
ImproveAs students drive their vehicle throughout their city, they should test and make improvements to their ride so that it brings supplies efficiently.
Closure / Student ReflectionsStudents can use Flipgrid to create news reports that describe the natural disaster and how it has affected the people of their city.
Possible Modifications / ExtensionsIf there is a shortage of time, students can create their city and drive their robot throughout the city without creating a vehicle to go along with their Sphero. Students could also use a Dash robot instead of Sphero.

Creative Commons