Building a New School in Flagstaff
Building a New School in Flagstaff
A 5th grade STEM lesson
Katie Krause
1/28/2024
Notes for teachers
List of Materials
thermometers, piece of foil, three 2-3” pieces of wire (you can substitute with metal spoons), sock or piece of fabric to wrap around the object, newspaper or paper.
Science Standards
5.P4U1.6 Analyze and interpret data to determine how and where energy is transferred when objects move.
4.P4U1.2 Develop and use a model that explains how energy is moved from place to place through electric currents.
Mathematical Practices, Speaking and Listening and Social Studies Standards
5.MP.5
Use appropriate tools strategically.�Mathematically proficient students consider available tools when solving a mathematical problem. They choose tools that are relevant and useful to the problem at hand. Proficient students are sufficiently familiar with tools appropriate for their grade or course to make sound decisions about when each of these tools might be helpful; recognizing both the insight to be gained and their limitations. Students deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts when using tools to visualize, explore, compare, communicate, make and test predictions, and understand the thinking of others.
5G4.1 Describe how economic activities, natural phenomena, and human-made events in one place or region are impacted by interactions with nearby and distant places or regions.
5.SL.4 Report on a topic or text or present an opinion, sequencing ideas logically and using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes; speak clearly at an understandable pace.
Agenda
Lesson 1: Observations-45 minutes
Lesson 2: Observations and measuring an acre to form an opinion- 1 hour
Lesson 3- Understanding energy transfer- 30 minutes
Lesson 4- Science investigation on light insulation- 45 minutes
Objectives:
Today we will….
Intro/Driving Question/Opening
How can we design a new school in Flagstaff?
Discuss:
What first steps would
Be needed to build a new
school?
Activity 1
Discuss:
Objective for Activities 1 and 2
Make observations to form an opinion as to what option is best for a new school in Flagstaff, using geographical data.
Option 1
New Marshall School
Current school site
Option 2-
Old middle school
Building across the street
Option 3- New School Site
Land unknown
Consideration 1: What is the “boundary” of Marshall?
What is a boundary?
A geographic or attendance zone locating the “home school” a student can attend. (note, there are many other factors).
Step 1: What is the “boundary” of Marshall?
This means that the
new Marshall, should be
build in the same area
To service the same
geographic location
(green)
Let’s look at the zone a little bit more
On the next page, explore the map for
the Marshall boundary (green).Use the tools
circled and record your observations on
your sheet.
Investigate
Observe:
Where is the boundary located?
What’s close to it?
Where are its boundaries?
Is it close to the forest?
What is the topography like?
Activity 2- What is a boundary
Consideration 2:
Acres available
An acre is a little less than
A football field. It is
43,560 ft
https://www.wagrown.com/what-does-an-acre-look-like
Exploring on the map
The Goal: The new school should have 7-8 acres.
The current school is 6
acres.
Explore the same website.
This time, try to measure the total acres
of the new proposed location, current
school and see what other available land
around there could offer 7-8 acres.
keep in mind, a lot of the land is private
property or forest service land that’s not
being used.
Measuring for Acres
Debrief Option 1- Current School Site
Measurement?
Option 2-Debrief Old school Middle School Across the Street
Measurement?
Option 3- New School Site
Land unknown
Could you find a spot to fit 8
acres?
Debrief:
There are several factors that influence the selection of land…. You just looked at two.
Which site do you think the community voted for?
Activity 3- Understanding Energy Transfer
The sun plays an important role in designing a new building.
What do we know about the sun’s location in the sky and how it impacts us?
What is Light Energy?
What is light energy?
Every action is caused by energy!
Energy makes things move, creates sounds and light.
Light energy comes from the sun and travels in rays. It is the only energy we can see.
What is Reflected Light?
For example, light comes through a window, hits a surface (such as a book) and then into your eyes.
When light reflects, it changes directions.
Mirrors can change the direction of light in various ways.
What is solar insulation?
The amount of solar energy a specific area gets.
Architects consider this when designing buildings.
Different materials react differently so light.
On the next slide, you will see an image from the architects who are designing the new school.
What do you observe?
What do you think this shows?
Activity 4- Light Insulation
Objective: Explore light (solar) insulation and how certain materials impact temperature. �
Insulation is extremely important when designing
a new building.
Hands-on Activity Instructions
thermometers, piece of foil, three 2-3” pieces of wire (you can substitute with metal spoons), sock or piece of fabric to wrap around the object, newspaper or paper.
Assessment
Support an opinion on what site would be best for a new school in Flagstaff and support it with evidence.
Why is light energy an important aspect of a design?
Test your materials and reflect on what materials worked well as insulators and why.
Differentiation
Model activities 1-2 for students (especially activity 2), strategic grouping.
Remediation
Extension/Enrichment
Have students measure their own school site using your own county or school districts boundary portal system. Most can be found on the district’s website.
Research clean energy solutions that newer schools and businesses are implementing in designs to be more efficient (connected to 4th grade standards too).