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The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Valentine’s Day STEM Challenge

(Geometry) �

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Valentine’s Day STEM Challenge

A 4th Grade STEM Lesson

Marie Lombardi

October 2023

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Notes for Teachers

List of Materials

  • Student Choice: Students will need to make a list of all the materials they will need in order to construct their mailbox. (Step 4: Construction Solution Step of the Design Process) - Note: No store-bought boxes)
  • Suggested: Glue, graph paper, cardboard, craft sticks, craft jewels, paint, markers, craft sticks, string, yarn, etc.

PROJECT CONSTRAINTS

  • Must have a THEME ex: safari, video games, rainbow, soccer
  • Must be STUDENT MADE w/materials of your choice and use an upcycled/recycled box (no store-bought boxes)
  • Must have examples of all the listed GEOMETRY TERMS �(see list inside the packet) -
  • Must have SLOT to insert Valentine cards
  • Must have EASY ACCESS for retrieving valentines
  • Must find the TOTAL AREA & PERIMETER of the box (all 6 sides)
  • Must show CREATIVITY and ORIGINALITY
  • Must turn in VALENTINE’S MAILBOX and STEM CHALLENGE PACKET by FEBRUARY 12th

Engineering Design Blank Notes

Engineering Design Guided Notes

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Science & Engineering Practices

  • Ask questions (for science) and define problems (for engineering)

  • Develop and use models
  • Plan and carrying 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

Standards

4th Grade Math Standards:

4.MD.C Geometric measurement: Understand concepts of angle and measure angles.

4.MD.C.5 Recognize angles as geometric shapes that are formed wherever two rays share a common endpoint, and understand concepts of angle measurement: a. An angle is measured with reference to a circle with its center at the common endpoint of the rays, by considering the fraction of the circular arc between the points where the two rays intersect the circle. An angle that turns through 1/360 of a circle is called a “one-degree angle,” and can be used to measure angles. b. An angle that turns through n one-degree angles is said to have an angle measure of n degrees.

4.MD.C.6 Measure angles in whole-number degrees using a protractor. Sketch angles of specified measure.

4.G.A Draw and identify lines and angles, and classify shapes by properties of their lines and angles.

4.G.A.1 Draw points, lines, line segments, rays, angles (right, acute, obtuse), and perpendicular and parallel lines. Identify these in two-dimensional figures.

4.G.A.2 Classify two-dimensional figures based on the presence or absence of parallel or perpendicular lines, or the presence or absence of angles of a specified size (e.g., understand right triangles as a category, and identify right triangles).

4.G.A.3 Recognize a line of symmetry for a two-dimensional figure as a line across the figure such that the figure can be folded along the line into matching parts. Identify line-symmetric figures and draw lines of symmetry.

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Objective(s):

You will be creating a Valentine’s Day mailbox to collect your Valentine cards in the classroom.

Be Creative and Think Outside the Box!

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Hands-on Activity Instructions - Click on each link below:

Theme Circle Map (#1- Define the Problem)

Rough Sketch (#2- Generate Solutions)

Project Evidence Chart (#3- Develop Solution - Geometry

Materials List & Justification (#4- Construct Solution)

Evaluation Reflection Sheet (#5-Test & Evaluate)

Area & Perimeter (#6-Present Solution)

Project Reflection Sheet (#7- Project Reflection Sheet

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Agenda (lesson time)

Time: Varies - (Estimate: 2-3 weeks)

Your class has decided to have a valentine exchange. Use the Design Thinking Process to plan and create a VALENTINE’S DAY MAILBOX to hold your valentines.

You must have examples of all the listed Geometry Terms (see Step 3 - Develop Solution - Project Evidence Chart

Use the Engineering Design Process Steps:

Engineering Design Blank Notes

Engineering Design Guided Notes

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Intro/Driving Question/Opening

Your class has decided to have a valentine exchange. Use the Design Thinking Process to plan and create a VALENTINE’S DAY MAILBOX to hold your valentines.

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Assessment

Valentine’s Day Mailbox STEM Challenge Score Sheet

Points

Points Possible

1-Define the Problem

Theme Ideas Circle Map

(Jot down all your amazing ideas for theme.)

5

2-Generate Solutions

Rough Sketch

(Sketch and draw a rough plan of your mailbox.)

5

3-Develop Solutions

Project Evidence Chart

(Has required items and project evidence listed)

5

4-Construct Solution

Materials List/Justifications

(List all materials needed and justifications.)

5

5-Test and Evaluate

Evaluation Reflection Sheet�(Answer each question; what worked?, what didn’t?, new solutions?)

5

6-Present Solution

Area & Perimeter

  • Find the area and perimeter of each side (6 sides total).
  • Find the total area and perimeter.

5

Valentine’s Day Mailbox (includes constraints-must haves)(Has obvious theme; examples of required geometry terms; slot; easy access all student made; creative and original; total area/perimeter)

15

7-Change and Adjust

Project Reflection Sheet�(Share with a peer, reflect, and complete each response.)

5

Total Points

50

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Differentiation

  • Provide geometry notes: Types of Angles- Area & Perimeter
  • Provide a checklist & frequent check-in with teacher
  • Have a struggling student work with a partner or get peer help.
  • Present digitally - Canva, Power Point, Google Slides
  • Provide additional guidance for materials list & justification

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

  • TinkerCad: 3D Print Valentine’s Day Mailbox

  • STEM Prime Lego Robots - Make a robot that will insert Valentine Day Cards into Valentine’s Day Mailbox

  • Have students calculate volume or other mathematical calculations