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Notes for teachers

Book Connection: Emphasize the connection to the novel "Hatchet" by Gary Paulsen, in which the protagonist, Brian Robeson, uses a bow and arrow as a crucial survival tool.
STEM Integration: Highlight the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) aspects of the project, including physics (forces, trajectory), engineering (design and construction), and measurement.
Materials List: The materials should be readily available in most classrooms or can be easily sourced for the project. Ensure that you have enough materials for each student or group of students participating in the project. Remember to emphasize safety during the project, especially when testing the bows and arrows. The arrowheads should not have sharp points to prevent any injuries.

List of Materials

For the Bow:

Popsicle sticks or craft sticks (for the bow frame)

String (dental floss or strong thread)

Tape (e.g., masking tape or duct tape)

Ruler or measuring tape

For the Arrow:

Craft sticks or cardboard (for the arrow shaft)

Plastic drinking straws (optional, for arrow shaft)

Tape (for securing the arrowhead and fletching)

Scissors

Markers or colored pencils (for decorating the arrow)

General Supplies:

Safety goggles (for safety during testing)

Target (such as a cardboard box or a designated target area)

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Standards

Science:

5.P3U2.5 Define problems and design solutions pertaining to force and motion.

5.P4U1.6 Analyze and interpret data to determine how and where energy is transferred when objects move.

Science and Engineering Practices

● ask questions and define problems

● develop and use models

● plan and carry out investigations

● analyze and interpret data

● use mathematics and computational thinking

● construct explanations and design solutions

● obtain, evaluate, and communicate information

English Language Arts:

4.RL.1: Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.

Connection: Students can refer to details from the "Hatchet" novel about how Brian made and used his bow and arrow, and use these details to support their project designs.

Math:

Standards for Mathematical Practice

MP5: Use appropriate tools strategically.

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Objective(s):

Objective for Day 1: On the first day, students will be introduced to the project, learn about the STEM concepts involved, and start designing and building their bows and arrows.

Objective for Day 2: On the second day, students will complete their bow and arrow construction, conduct testing, analyze the data, and prepare presentations.

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Agenda

DAY 1

Session 1: Introduction and Book Connection (45 minutes)

Opening Discussion (10 minutes)

Project Overview (10 minutes)

Safety Guidelines (5 minutes)

Materials and Teams (10 minutes)

Q&A and Team Formation (10 minutes)

Session 2: STEM Concepts, Design, and Initial Construction (1 hour and 15 minutes)

Review of "Hatchet" and STEM Concepts (20 minutes)

Initial Design Phase (20 minutes)

Materials and Building (35 minutes)

DAY 2

Session 3: Final Construction and Testing (45 minutes)

Materials and Construction (25 minutes)

Testing (20 minutes)

Session 4: Data Analysis, Presentations, and Conclusion (1 hour)

Data Analysis (20 minutes)

Presentation Preparation (20 minutes):

Presentations and Reflection (20 minutes)

Project Conclusion (10 minutes)

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Intro/Driving Question/Opening

Opening (Engaging Hook):

Imagine you're stranded in the wilderness, just like Brian Robeson in the book "Hatchet" by Gary Paulsen. You have limited resources and must rely on your wits to survive. What tools could you create to help you endure and thrive in the wilderness?

Driving Question:

"How can we, like Brian Robeson in 'Hatchet,' design and build a functional bow and arrow system using STEM principles to help us survive in the wilderness?"

This driving question sets the stage for the project, connecting it to the book "Hatchet" and emphasizing the application of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) concepts to solve real-world challenges. It encourages students to explore, innovate, and create as they embark on their journey to recreate one of Brian's essential survival tool.

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STEM Activity

“How can we, like Brian Robeson in Hatchet, design and build a functional bow and arrow system using STEM principles to help us survive in the wilderness?”

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Hands-on Activity Instructions (Day 1)

Session 1: Introduction and Book Connection (45 minutes)

Opening Discussion (10 minutes):

Begin with a brief discussion about the book "Hatchet" and introduce the main character, Brian Robeson.
Explain the key role of the bow and arrow in Brian's survival.

Project Overview (10 minutes):

Present the project's objectives and its alignment with STEM concepts.
Emphasize the hands-on and creative nature of the project.

Safety Guidelines (5 minutes):

Discuss the importance of safety and the rules for safe experimentation.
Remind students that arrowheads should not have sharp points.

Materials and Teams (10 minutes):

Introduce the materials students will use.
Divide students into small teams to encourage collaboration.

Q&A and Team Formation (10 minutes):

Allow students to ask questions about the project.
Form teams based on students' preferences or assign them randomly.

Session 2: STEM Concepts, Design, and Initial Construction (1 hour and 15 minutes)

Review of "Hatchet" and STEM Concepts (20 minutes):

Summarize the key elements of Brian's use of the bow and arrow in the book.
Explain the STEM concepts related to bow and arrow design.

Initial Design Phase (20 minutes):

Have teams brainstorm and sketch their bow and arrow designs.
Encourage them to consider factors like bowstring tension, arrow length, and arrowhead design.

Materials and Building (35 minutes):

Provide materials and tools for construction.
Allow students to start building their bows and arrows.
Circulate to provide guidance and ensure safety.

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Hands on Activity

(Day 2)

Day 2: Testing, Data Analysis, and Presentations (2nd Day)

Objective for Day 2: On the second day, students will complete their bow and arrow construction, conduct testing, analyze the data, and prepare presentations.

Session 3: Final Construction and Testing (1 hour)

Materials and Construction (25 minutes):

Provide additional time for students to finalize their bows and arrows.
Monitor their progress and provide support as needed.

Testing (20 minutes):

Set up a testing area where students can safely shoot their arrows at a target.
Have them record data on distance and accuracy.

Session 4: Data Analysis, Presentations, and Conclusion (1 hour)

Data Analysis (20 minutes):

Discuss the results of their testing and help students analyze how different factors influenced their arrow's performance.

Presentation Preparation (20 minutes):

Instruct students on creating visual displays and prepare their presentations for the class.

Presentations and Reflection (20 minutes):

Have teams present their projects to the class, discussing their design choices, challenges, and what they've learned about the STEM concepts involved.

Project Conclusion (10 minutes):

Summarize the key takeaways from the project and discuss its real-world applications.
Acknowledge students' efforts and creativity.

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Assessment

Project Component: Brian’s Bow and Arrow

Criteria for Assessment:

Design and Creativity:

The design of the bow and arrow is creative and unique.

Functionality:

The bow and arrow can shoot arrows with some degree of accuracy and distance.
It follows the principles of a real bow and arrow to some extent.

Safety:

Safety guidelines were followed during construction and testing.
Arrowheads are not sharp, and safety goggles were worn during testing.

STEM Understanding:

The student demonstrated an understanding and application of STEM principles in the design and explanation.

Data Collection and Analysis:

Data related to arrow distance and accuracy was recorded and analyzed.

Presentation Skills:

The presentation effectively communicated design choices, challenges, and results.
Visuals, explanations, and audience engagement were considered.

Problem-Solving:

The student showed the ability to make improvements or modifications based on testing results.

Reflection:

The student reflected on what they learned from the project and its connection to the "Hatchet" book.

Teamwork:

The student effectively collaborated within their team.

Engagement and Effort:

The student demonstrated enthusiasm and effort throughout the project.

Overall Impact:

The project effectively integrated STEM concepts, critical thinking, and creativity.

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Differentiation

Simplified Materials: Offer a simplified version of the project with pre-cut materials and more straightforward assembly instructions for students who may find the standard project too challenging.

Collaboration: Encourage struggling students to collaborate with peers who have a stronger grasp of the STEM concepts. Pairing them with more advanced students can provide support and guidance.

Small Group Support: Create small group sessions during which students can receive additional assistance and clarification on STEM principles related to the project.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Advanced Arrowhead Design: Challenge advanced students to research and design more complex arrowheads, exploring how different shapes and materials impact accuracy and penetration.

Advanced Materials: Allow advanced students to work with more advanced materials like carbon fiber for the bow frame or specialized fletching materials for arrows to enhance performance.

Outdoor Field Testing: Take the project to an outdoor setting, if possible, and have advanced students conduct field tests of their bows and arrows under various conditions to study the impact of environmental factors.