3 of 13

Notes for teachers

This lesson takes place in a classroom for lectures and hands-on activities.Students may work in small groups .
Duration: 3 class periods (approximately 45 minutes each)

List of Materials

Science: Pine cones (various sizes), magnifying glasses, paper towels, water spray bottle.
Technology: Computers/tablets with internet access, presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides), online resources for design inspiration.
Engineering: Prototyping materials (glue, scissors, craft wire, ribbon), rulers, scissors, craft knives.
Math: Measuring tools (rulers, tape measures), calculators, graph paper.

4 of 13

Standards

Science

7.L1U1.8. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to provide evidence that all living things are made of cells, cells come from existing cells, and cells are the basic structural and functional unit of all living things

7.L1U1.9 Construct an explanation to demonstrate the relationship between major cell structures and cell functions (plant and animal).

Standards

Math

7.MP.4 Model with mathematics.

Mathematically proficient students apply the mathematics they know to solve problems arising in everyday life, society, and the workplace. When given a problem in a contextual situation, they identify the mathematical elements of a situation and create a mathematical model that represents those mathematical elements and the relationships among them. Mathematically proficient students use their model to analyze the relationships and draw conclusions. They interpret their mathematical results in the context of the situation and reflect on whether the results make sense, possibly improving the model if it has not served its purpose

5 of 13

Standards

ELA

7.W.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well‐structured event sequences

6 of 13

Objectives:

Today

Students will be able to explore the biology of pine cones, apply engineering principles to design and build handmade decorations using pine cones, incorporate technology for design inspiration, and apply mathematical concepts in measurements and calculations.

7 of 13

Agenda

Duration: 3 class periods (approximately 45 minutes each)

8 of 13

Intro/Driving Question/Opening

Today's exciting STEM lesson, we'll embark on a journey of creativity, exploration, and innovation as we delve into the world of handmade decorations using pine cones. In this lesson, we'll integrate science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts to design and build unique decorations that celebrate the beauty of nature while promoting sustainability and environmental awareness.

Pine cones, those intricate structures found abundantly in our forests, serve not only as a symbol of the changing seasons but also as a source of inspiration for our creative endeavors. Today, we'll explore the biology of pine cones, discovering their fascinating features and understanding their role in nature's ecosystem. We'll then apply engineering principles to design and prototype handmade decorations that incorporate pine cones as the central element.

But that's not all – we'll also harness the power of technology to seek inspiration from online resources, discovering a myriad of innovative ideas and designs that showcase the versatility of pine cones in crafting. And as we immerse ourselves in the creative process, we'll apply mathematical concepts to make precise measurements, calculate materials, and ensure the structural integrity of our decorations.

By the end of this lesson, you'll not only have created beautiful handmade decorations but also gained a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the importance of sustainable practices. So let's dive in and unleash our creativity as we embark on this STEM-filled adventure of pine cone decor crafting!

9 of 13

Hands-on Activity Instructions

Day 1: Exploring Pine Cones and Design Inspiration
Begin the lesson with a discussion on the biology of pine cones, focusing on their structure, function, and significance in nature.
Show students different types of pine cones and discuss the variations in size, shape, and texture.
Engage students in a hands-on activity to observe and explore pine cones using magnifying glasses, encouraging them to make observations and ask questions about the pine cone's features.
Use multimedia resources or online presentations to showcase examples of handmade decorations using pine cones, such as ornaments, wreaths, or centerpieces.
Assign students to research and gather design inspiration from online sources, such as DIY crafting websites or social media platforms, and save images or sketches of their chosen designs for reference.
How to Make Pine Cone Zinnias (youtube.com)
I gathered pine cones from the forest and now I'm gonna use them to make money for the holidays! (youtube.com)

10 of 13

Hands-on Activity Instructions

Day 2: Engineering and Prototyping
Review the design ideas and inspiration gathered by students from the previous day's activities.
Introduce the engineering challenge: designing and building a prototype of a handmade decoration using pine cones as the primary material. Provide students with design constraints and criteria for their prototypes (e.g., must incorporate at least one pine cone, should be durable and aesthetically pleasing).
Divide students into small groups and allow them time to sketch and plan their decoration designs, considering factors such as structure, color, and decoration techniques.
Provide prototyping materials and supervise students as they build their decoration prototypes, offering guidance and support as needed.
Encourage students to test their prototypes and make adjustments as necessary to improve functionality and appearance.
Christmas Pine Cone Wreath DIY | Christmas Decor Dollar Tree Wreath DIY Christmas Wreath Decor DIY - YouTube

11 of 13

Hands-on Activity Instructions

Day 3: Math Applications and Presentation
Begin the lesson with a review of the engineering design process and students' progress on their decoration prototypes.
Introduce mathematical concepts related to measurements and calculations needed for the decoration project, such as determining dimensions, calculating surface areas, and estimating materials required.
Engage students in hands-on math activities, such as measuring the dimensions of pine cones and calculating the amount of decorative materials needed for their projects.
Have students finalize their handmade decoration projects, incorporating any additional decorations or embellishments.
Allow time for students to present their decoration projects to the class, explaining their design process, materials used, and the significance of using pine cones in their creations.
Encourage peer feedback and reflection on the STEM integration in the pine cone decor project, highlighting connections between science, technology, engineering, and math concepts.

12 of 13

Assessment

Evaluate students' understanding and application of STEM concepts related to the pine cone decoration project through the following methods:

Rubric-based assessment of students' participation in the design and prototyping process, focusing on creativity, craftsmanship, and adherence to design criteria. Click here for the rubric.
Evaluation of students' decoration prototypes based on durability, aesthetic appeal, and incorporation of pine cones.
Review of students' presentations and reflections on the STEM integration in the project, assessing their ability to articulate connections between different disciplines and apply STEM concepts to real-world problems.

13 of 13

Differentiation

Modeling Engineering Design Principles: Offer additional guidance and support to students who may struggle with the engineering design process. Provide step-by-step instructions or templates for designing and building pine cone decorations, breaking down the process into manageable tasks. Offer scaffolded prompts to help students brainstorm ideas, create sketches, and plan their prototypes before moving on to construction.
Mathematical Practice with Measurements: Create math-focused activities to reinforce concepts related to measurements and calculations. Provide practice problems or hands-on tasks where students measure the dimensions of pine cones using rulers or tape measures, calculate surface areas and volumes, and estimate the amount of materials needed for decoration projects. Offer support and feedback as students work through the problems and provide additional examples or explanations as needed.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Organize a holiday decoration contest or exhibition to showcase students' handmade pine cone decorations and celebrate their creativity and craftsmanship.
Collaborate with the art or English/language arts teacher to create written reflections or artist statements accompanying students' decoration projects, exploring themes of nature, creativity, and sustainability.
Invite guest speakers from local botanical gardens or environmental organizations to share insights and initiatives on forest ecology and conservation efforts.