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Flying Machines

A 6th grade STEM lesson

Author: Misty Schreiber

Date: June 28th, 2023

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Notes for teachers

This is a multi-day lesson using the engineering design process where students will build a flying machine.

Students work in groups of 2 or 3.

Students will test their final designs on a zipline created by string hung in the classroom.

List of Materials

Flying Machine

Required

Cardboard Pilot
Binder Clip

Optional Building Materials

cardboard
styrofoam
pipe cleaners
tape
cardstock
cups
any other materials you might allow from class

Zipline

String (hang from a higher spot in the classroom to a lower spot to create a small decline)

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Standards

6.P4U2.5 Analyze how humans use technology to store (potential) and/or use (kinetic) energy

Science and Engineering Practices

ask questions and define problems
develop and use models
plan and carry out investigations
analyze and interpret data
use mathematical and computational thinking
construct explanations and design solutions
engage in argument from evidence
obtain, evaluate and communicate information

Standards

6.RI.7 Integrate information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue.

6.SL.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one‐on‐one, in groups, and teacher‐led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

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Objectives:

Students will be able to create a flying machine that will travel on a zipline while holding/containing a pilot.

Students will be able to use the Engineering Design Process to plan, build, test, and evaluate a flying machine.

Students will be able to present their flying machines to peers and reflect on their design.

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Agenda (approximately 2 - 1 hour sessions)

Day 1: Read or Watch the book: Rosie Revere, Engineer

Day 1: Engineering Design Process Steps: Ask, Imagine, Plan

Day 2: Engineering Design Process Steps: Create, Test, Improve & Present

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In the story Rosie Revere Engineer, Rosie is trying to build a flying machine, but her first attempt doesn’t turn out right. What does she do? Why is it important to not give up?

Lead into the “ask” questions for the challenge:

What is your goal for this challenge?

How will you design your flying machine so that it travels all the way down the zipline?

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

This is a small group activity (2-3 per group)
Flying Machine STEM Challenge

I created this document to help my students through the process. It contains everything you need to work through the process, including the constraints, planning pages, reflection & more.

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Assessment

Did students meet constraints?

Did they complete the Engineering Design Process?

Did they present/share their project?

*grading sheet included in file

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Differentiation

One way to differentiate this activity is to change or modify the constraints for the student or class depending on their skills and abilities.

Teachers can provide additional photos or videos of ideas to help students who are struggling with the design.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Use this as a buddy activity to teach a younger grade the Engineering Design Process and have older kids partner with younger kids to teach and help design the flying machine.

Add in vocabulary for flight/aerodynamics or link to a cross curricular study of flight controls, rocketry, or drones.