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The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Laser Maze Design Challenge

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Laser Maze Design Challenge

A Third Grade STEM lesson

Author: Elsa Costello

Date:2/1/23

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Notes for teachers

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This would be a great STEM activity during a physics unit in science.

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Students should be in groups for this activity. Groups of 2-4 students seem to work best.

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This STEM project can last 1-3 days (45 minute sessions).

List of Materials

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  • Thinkfun Laser Maze
  • Aluminium foil
  • Mirrors
  • Flashlights

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Standards

3.P2U1.1Ask questions and investigate the relationship between light, objects, and the human eye.

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3.P4U1.3 Develop and use models to describe how light and sound waves transfer energy.

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Standards

Physical Science

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Objectives:

Today students will be able to build a laser maze model demonstrating the concepts of reflection and refraction.

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Today students will work in a team to direct their laser through challenging mazes to light up the target.

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Agenda (45 minutes)

Engage students with science questions and materials.

Watch Video: Reflection VS. Refraction

Teacher will go over laser maze set up instructions and safety procedures.

Assessment: Where students able to demonstrate the concepts of reflection and refraction while solving logic puzzles.

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Intro

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Teacher will place aluminum foil and mirror side by side on students desks.

  • In which two surfaces do you see yourself more clearly?

Shine your flashlight at the mirror. Now shine your flashlight at the foil.

  • What do the two surfaces have in common?
  • What is different about the two surfaces?

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After questions, teacher will show video: Reflection vs. Refraction

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

STEPS TO PLAY:

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  • Students should be in teams of 2-4
  • Each team will receive one Laser Maze Kit.
  • The teacher will review objectives and safety procedures.
  • Each Laser Maze Kit comes with a manual for reference. Students will have 11 Game tokens to use on their game grid including a laser.

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

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Each token is designed with a special function. Before beginning, play with the various tokens on the grid to gain an understanding of how they work.

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In addition, the Symbols Key Card can be used as a helpful reference for identifying the tokens.

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

STEPS TO PLAY:

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  • Place the specified tokens on the game grid. As you place each token, think carefully about how position and function can be used to direct the laser beams.

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  • Work with your team members to solve challenge cards. Start with beginner cards and work your way up to the expert cards.

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

STEPS TO PLAY:

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  • Once you solve your challenge card, check the back of your card to see if your team was correct!

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  • As you solve these challenges, and create your laser maze, be mindful of how refraction and reflection play an important role in hitting your target.

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Assessment

Teacher will grade students as a formative assessment.

Teacher can ask the following questions to check for understanding after STEM activity is complete:

  • Where you able to demonstrate the concepts of reflection and refraction?
  • Was there any challenge that was particularly difficult to problem solve?
  • Was everyone in your team able to work together to solve the logic puzzles in the time allotted.

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Differentiation

Students will be working in groups to help problem solve together.

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Have students work on beginning challenges before moving on to more challenging concepts.

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Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

The Laser Maze Challenge Kit includes expert advanced cards for students to participate in once they solve the beginner and intermediate cards.