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The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Roxaboxen Park Needs You!

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Roxaboxen Park Needs You!

A 3rd Grade STEM Lesson

CeCe Peru

1/30/2024

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Notes for teachers

My students are so interested maps. It may be helpful to display a map of Arizona that illustrates specifically where Yuma, Az. is. I included one here but found it would have sparked curiosity or interest to have it displayed.

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Students have been exposed to measurement but may need support to remind them to attend to precision and use tools strategically.

List of Materials

  • Paper Ruler -Pre cut for each student
  • 8 x 10 piece of cardboard.
  • Paper cups
  • Foil
  • Paper
  • Pipe Cleaners
  • Tape
  • Glue
  • Toilet paper rolls
  • Recycled fruit cup containers
  • Empty Fruit containers
  • Copy or video of Roxaboxen

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Standards

3.MD.B.4 Generate measurement data by measuring lengths using rulers marked with halves and fourths of an inch to the nearest quarter-inch. Show the data by making a line plot, where the horizontal scale is marked off in appropriate units— whole numbers, halves, or quarters.

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Standard 4. Innovative Designer - Students use a variety of technologies within a design process to identify and solve problems by creating new, useful or imaginative solutions. Indicator 4.d. 3-5.4.d. Students demonstrate perseverance when working with open-ended problems.

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Standards

3.RL.1 Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.

Standard 3. Knowledge Constructor - Students critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools to construct knowledge, produce creative artifacts, and make meaningful learning experiences for themselves and others. 3-5.3.a. Students, in collaboration with an educator, employ appropriate research techniques to locate digital resources that will help them in their learning process.

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Objectives:

I can demonstrate understanding of the central message, lesson, or moral in "Roxaboxen" by identifying key details and summarizing how the children in the story build their community.

I can use measurement to the nearest inch and ½ inch to create my foundation and height of structure.

I can use the design process to create a unique model just as students in the story Roxaboxen did in their town.

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Agenda (75 Minutes))

Introduction 10 minutes

Interactive Read aloud (15 min)

Class discussion 5-10 minutes

Planning 10 minutes

Creating 30 minutes

Gallery Walk 10 minutes

Reflection 5 minutes

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What makes a community strong?

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Today we will explore Roxaboxen a story of how children build their own unique community.

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Interactive Read Aloud

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How is our classroom community similar to Roxaboxen?

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    • What did the children do to create their community in Roxaboxen?
    • How did they work together?
    • What values or lessons can we learn about building a community from the story?

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Do you know where Yuma, Arizona is?

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Yuma, AZ. is the home of the

original Roxaboxen.

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Roxaboxen is A REAL PLACE!

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Roxaboxen is A REAL PLACE!

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Roxaboxen is A REAL PLACE!

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Roxaboxen is A REAL PLACE!

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

  • Divide students into small groups.
  • Each group will plan using the design process.
  • Provide each group with small boxes, rocks, and other materials, ruler.
  • Instruct them to create their own imaginary community similar to Roxaboxen. Encourage creativity and collaboration.
  • Each group should decide on roles and responsibilities for their community members.
  • After building their communities, groups can share their creations with the class.

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Before we get started, Lets Review!

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  • Plan and design your model (10 minutes)
  • Create a model using a foundation 12 inches or less.
  • You may build up but your model should not be taller than the length of 12 in.
  • You have 10 minutes to plan and design
  • 30 minutes to create

The community members want to redesign Roxaboxen Park and need your help! Collaborate with peers to create unique designs to pitch to the community!

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Create time!

Use your imagination to create your own Roxaboxen.

Remember to have a growth mindset!

No idea is too silly or too small.

Be creative!

Try your best!

HAVE FUN!

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Assessment

Student groups will reflect on the process used creating their unique communities.

Discuss similarities and differences between the communities, emphasizing the uniqueness that each group brings to the activity.

Connect personal experiences to the themes in Roxaboxen. Use questioning such as:

    • How did working together contribute to the success of your community?
    • What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

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Student Work Samples

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Differentiation

Printable ruler

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Create groups purposefully that ensure all students will succeed.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

City of Yuma- Roxaboxen Park -Research the park on City of Yuma website

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VisitYuma.com -Plan a weekend trip to Yuma. What would you like to explore while you’re there?

Write a list of items you will need

Calculate how many miles and how much gas money you will need.

Find a hotel to stay in and decide how much it costs.