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Notes for teachers

This is a fun take on the Cinderella stories. You could always read the story, or any version, to remind students of the carriage and how it came to be.

List of Materials

small to medium pumpkins
Various tools for carving (e.g., knives, scoops, carving tools)
Craft supplies (e.g., paint, glue, glitter, ribbons)
Small wheels (can be purchased or made from cardboard and dowels or other found objects)
Axles (e.g., wooden dowels, pencils)
Cardboard or foam boards
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Measuring tape
Markers or pencils
Scissors
Ruler
Decorative materials (optional)

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Standards

*MS-ETS1-1. Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

*MS-ETS1-2. Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

*MS-ETS1-3. Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.

*MS-ETS1-4. Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.

Standards

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

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Objective(s):

I will be able to analyze how humans use technology to store (potential) and/or use ( kinetic) energy.

I will be able to create a design that transforms a pumpkin into a carriage.

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Agenda (Duration: 2-3 class periods)

Introduction (1 class period):

Begin the lesson by discussing the concept of transformation and how STEM principles can be applied to create something new.
Show images or videos of other similar transformations to inspire students and demonstrate the possibilities.
Explain the challenge: Students will transform a pumpkin into a carriage using their knowledge of engineering and design.

Designing the Carriage (1 class period):

Divide the students into small groups or pairs and provide each group with a pumpkin and a sheet of paper.
Instruct students to brainstorm and sketch their design ideas for the pumpkin carriage, considering its shape, features, and any additional elements they would like to incorporate.
Encourage creativity and remind students to think about stability and practicality during the design process.
Allow time for students to share their design ideas with the class and provide feedback to one another.

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Intro

How do we take something, an ordinary, everyday object, and turn it into something else?

For example, a chip clip, sure I could use it for chips, but I could also use it for my hair, or to hang clothes on the line, or as a paper clip for papers, or to hold a bouquet of balloons so they don’t blow away.

Today we are going to start a STEM project to transform a vegetable into a mode of transportation. Any guesses?

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

Preparation:

Gather all the required materials.
Familiarize yourself with the engineering and design concepts related to transforming a pumpkin into a carriage.
Set up workstations with tools, materials, and safety instructions.

Designing the Carriage (1 class period):

Divide the students into small groups or pairs and provide each group with a pumpkin and a sheet of paper.
Instruct students to brainstorm and sketch their design ideas for the pumpkin carriage, considering its shape, features, and any additional elements they would like to incorporate.
Encourage creativity and remind students to think about stability and practicality during the design process.
Allow time for students to share their design ideas with the class and provide feedback to one another.

Carving and Construction (1 class period):

Instruct students to carefully carve out the pumpkin following their design plans, using appropriate tools and adult supervision.
As the carving progresses, guide students in creating openings or spaces for the carriage doors, windows, and other features.
Once the carving is complete, have students clean out the pumpkin's interior, removing the seeds and pulp.
Assist students in attaching the small wheels to the pumpkin using axles made of dowels or pencils. They can use hot glue or other appropriate methods to secure the wheels in place.
Provide cardboard or foam boards for students to cut and shape into additional carriage elements such as a roof, seats, driver, or decorative details.
Encourage students to use their creative problem-solving skills and collaborate effectively as they construct their pumpkin carriages.
Optional: Allow students to decorate the carriage using paint, glue, glitter, ribbons, or any other decorative materials they choose.

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Assessment

Evaluation and Presentation (1 class period):

Once the pumpkin carriages are completed, have each group present their creation to the class.
During the presentations, students should explain their design choices, the engineering principles they applied, and any challenges they encountered during the transformation process.
Encourage classmates to ask questions and provide constructive feedback on each presentation.
Lead a class discussion on the engineering and design concepts explored during the lesson, emphasizing the importance of creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration in STEM projects.

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Differentiation

Give a student an already carved pumpkin and have them add the axles and wheels.

Give students a plastic pumpkin and use pencils or other materials to glue on and create a different type of carriage model

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Organize a pumpkin carriage parade where students can showcase their creations to other grade levels or the wider school community.
Use a ramp and hold carriage races.

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