The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project
Building a Chicken Paradise
6th grade science and engineering lesson
Building a Chicken Playground
A 6th Grade STEM Lesson
Linsey Poirier
1/26/2024
Notes for Teachers
I know having chickens is a luxury many schools do not have, but the same concept could be used for any smaller class pet as well. Hamster paradise would be awesome!
List of Materials
Standards
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
● engage in argument from evidence
● obtain, evaluate, and communicate information
Key Crosscutting Concept:
Scale and proportion
Core Ideas for Using Science:
U2: The knowledge produced by science is used in engineering and technologies to solve problems and/or create products.
Standards
Standards for Mathematical Practice
4. Model with mathematics.
Mathematically proficient students apply the mathematics they know to solve problems arising in everyday life, society, and the workplace.
5. Use appropriate tools strategically.
Mathematically proficient students consider available tools when solving a mathematical problem.
6. Attend to precision.
Mathematically proficient students clearly communicate to others using appropriate mathematical terminology, and craft explanations to convey their reasoning.
Technology Standards
Knowledge Constructor
6-8.3.a. Students practice and improve research strategies to locate information and other resources for their intellectual or creative pursuits.
6-8.3.b. Students practice evaluating the accuracy, perspective, credibility, and relevance of information, media, data or other resources
Objective(s):
Students will be able to make useful, relevant observations about animals behavior.
Students will be able to use information and observations to create a plan for an ideal chicken area.
Students will be able to create a scale drawing mapping out their plans.
SWBAT use the Engineering Design Process to build an element of their plans.
Agenda
For this particular plan, I would devote at least 10 days, about 40 minutes each day. For a smaller scale, like a hamster environment, could be pared down to 5 days or so.
Day 1- introduce the idea, walk the space, read chicken needs and wants, add extra observations they see. Playground Inspiration
Day 2- Groups brainstorm ideas for what to include in chicken area. Begin a scale drawing (we used 1 inch = 1 foot for ease)
Day 3 Finish scale plan and present
Day 4-10 build elements of plan and create the area
Intro/Driving Question/Opening
What do animals need to live?
What can we do to enrich the lives of animals in our care?
How is using scale helpful?
What is the true cost of a pet?
Hands-on Activity Instructions
Partners or groups of 3.
After making complete plan, structures will be divided out. (We don’t need 5 groups making a chicken swing.)
Students view current available resources, make a list of other items needed.
Students build their structure, modifying their design as needed.
Complete the area as a group.
Assessment
Does the plan include all of the needed elements and at least two wanted elements?
Does the structure stand up?
Is the picture/plan to scale?
Differentiation
Other options to modify instruction:
Provide key vocabulary with images.
Remediation
Extension/Enrichment