The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Introduction to Measurement:

LEGO Creatures

Introduction to Measurement:

LEGO Creatures

A 4-6th grade STEM lesson

Author: �Mike Amato�

Date: June 27th

Notes for teachers

The LEGO Eggs need to be purchased ahead of time; ensure enough for all students.

List of Materials

• LEGO Creatures

https://www.amazon.com/LEBOCADO-Dinosaur-Building-Jurassic-Birthday/dp/B09WH3RWH2/

• Ruler
• Caliper
• Slide Deck
• TinkerCAD

Standards

4.MD.A.3: Apply the area and perimeter formulas for rectangles in mathematical problems and problems in real-world contexts including problems with unknown side lengths.

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Standards

Standard 1. Empowered Learner - Students leverage technology to take an active role in choosing, achieving, and demonstrating competency in their learning goals, informed by the learning sciences.

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3-5.1.d. Students explore age appropriate technologies and begin to transfer their learning to different tools or learning environments.

Objective(s):

• Students will use a ruler or caliper to accurately measure a LEGO creature.
• Students will design, draw, and create a 3D environment for their LEGO creature using TinkerCAD
• Students will iterate on their environment designs and troubleshoot their models digitally before 3D printing.

Description (2 sentences):

This activity is designed to give students an introductory lesson into measurement. Students will pick out a LEGO creature, measure the creature, then use 3D design software like TinkerCAD to design an environment for their LEGO creature that fits the creature’s measurements.

Agenda (lesson time)

Time Frame

1 Week (4 50-minute class periods)

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Day 1: Choosing the creature and recording it’s measurements accurately.

Day 2: Brainstorm and sketch the habitat in which the the LEGO creature will live.

Day 3: Fine-tune sketch; provide rough estimated measurements for the items in the environment.

Day 4: Design the environment using TinkerCAD, paying close attention to the measurements.

Intro/Driving Question/Opening

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Ask students:

“Imagine you're a scientist exploring a new, uncharted planet teeming with mysterious creatures. Today, you will each discover one of these creatures from our special pile of LEGO models. As scientists, your mission is to carefully measure your creature, noting its size and unique features. Then, using your creativity and the powerful TinkerCAD 3D modeling software, you'll design a perfect habitat for it to live and thrive. Think about what your creature needs to survive and be happy. What kind of environment would suit it best? Guiding Question: What elements and features will you include in your habitat to ensure your creature can live comfortably and safely?”

Hands-on Activity Instructions (Day 1)

• Group structure:
• Independent work

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1. Hand students a box of LEGO Creature Eggs.�
2. Allow students to choose one LEGO Creature Egg; students will open the egg and note the creature they have selected.�
3. Allow 2 minutes for students to swap creatures if they wish.�
4. Model for students how to use a caliper or ruler to measure their creature.
1. Ask students to note the units of measure you are using in your demonstration�
5. Ask students to accurately measure their creature and record their measurements.

Hands-on Activity Instructions (Day 2)

• Group structure:
• Independent work

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1. Hand out paper for students to begin designing their environments�
2. Explain to students that they need to create an environment in which their creature can live
1. Allow students to brainstorm what their creature might need to survive; think of shelter, food, and water sources.�
3. Once students have brainstormed their habitat, ask them to begin sketching their environment on paper.

Hands-on Activity Instructions (Day 3)

• Group structure:
• Independent work

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1. Students will use their brainstorming and drawing sheets from the previous lesson to make improvements on their design.�
2. Guide students to provide a rough estimate of the measurements in their environment to begin transferring their sketch onto 3D modeling software. �
3. Encourage students to troubleshoot areas where TinkerCAD might not be able to accommodate their sketch; suggest revisions if needed.

Hands-on Activity Instructions (Day 3)

• Group structure:
• Independent work

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1. Log into TinkerCAD with students�
2. Model how to begin designing their environment on TinkerCAD�
3. Assist in troubleshooting student work and iterating on current designs. �
4. Remind students to check measurements in TinkerCAD, paying attention to the measurement of the LEGO creature and of the 3D printer’s size limitations.�
5. Work with students to submit their designs.�
6. Begin 3D printing. �
7. If time allows, encourage students to paint their designs

Assessment

Formative Assessment

Throughout the lesson, as students are working on measuring their LEGO creatures and designing habitats in TinkerCAD, the teacher will circulate the room, engaging with each student or group to check for understanding and provide immediate feedback.

Checklist/Rubric:

• Measuring the Creature:
• Correctly identifies and records the height, width, and length of the creature.
• Accurately notes any unique features of the creature (e.g., wings, tails, etc.).
• TinkerCAD Modeling:
• Begins designing a habitat that includes at least three key elements necessary for the creature's survival (e.g., food source, shelter, water).
• Shows basic proficiency with TinkerCAD tools (e.g., adding shapes, resizing, grouping objects).

Questions to Ask During Formative Assessment:

• What features have you noticed about your creature?
• How did you measure this part of your creature?
• Why did you choose to include this element in your habitat?
• How does this part of your habitat help your creature survive?

Assessment

Summative Assessment

Project Submission: Students will submit their final TinkerCAD habitat designs along with a written description of their creature and how the habitat meets its needs.

Rubric:

• Measurement Accuracy:
• Provides detailed and accurate measurements of the LEGO creature (height, width, length, and unique features). (20 points)
• Habitat Design:
• Habitat includes at least three key elements necessary for the creature's survival. (30 points)
• Design is thoughtful, showing creativity and consideration of the creature's needs. (20 points)
• Uses TinkerCAD tools effectively to create a cohesive and functional habitat. (20 points)
• Written Description:
• Clearly explains the features of the creature and how the habitat supports its survival. (20 points)
• Uses appropriate vocabulary and complete sentences. (10 points)

Total: 100 points

Reflection: Students will complete a short reflection on what they learned about measuring and designing habitats. They will also reflect on how they used TinkerCAD and any challenges they faced.

Reflection Questions:

• What was the most challenging part of measuring your creature?
• How did you decide what elements to include in your habitat?
• What was the most fun part of using TinkerCAD?
• What would you do differently next time?

Differentiation

Simplified Measurements:

Provide simplified measurement tools such as rulers with larger increments or visual aids to help with understanding. Allow students to measure fewer parts of the creature if needed (e.g., just height and width).

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TinkerCAD Tutorials and Partner Work:

Offer step-by-step tutorials or instructional videos on TinkerCAD basics. Pair below-grade level learners with a partner or in small groups with mixed abilities to provide peer support and collaborative learning.�

Pre-Designed Habitat Elements:�Provide pre-designed elements in TinkerCAD that students can drag and drop into their habitats, such as trees, shelters, and food sources. This reduces the cognitive load and allows them to focus on understanding the purpose of each element in the habitat.

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Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Complex Creature Features and Measurements:

Challenge advanced students to measure and record more complex features of their creatures, such as the circumference of round parts, the surface area of wings, or any movable joints. They can also calculate volume if applicable.

Detailed Habitat Design:

Encourage higher learners to design a more detailed and complex habitat, considering advanced ecological concepts like predator-prey relationships, climate conditions, and resource management. They can include additional features such as terrain variations, multiple zones, or intricate shelter designs.

Research and Presentation:

Assign a research component where students investigate real-world habitats and creatures with similar characteristics to their LEGO creature. They can then present their findings and explain how they applied this knowledge to their TinkerCAD habitat design. This can be done through a digital presentation, a written report, or a poster.