2 of 10

Be an Inventor: FOR AN ISSUE YOU CARE ABOUT

A 4th & 5th Grade STEM Lesson

Victoria Tomas

May 2023

3 of 10

Notes for Teachers

Students should have background knowledge of current issues of the world. For example, climate change, trash, world hunger, forest fires, pollution, etc.
Some research preferred to complete this lesson activity.
Students have worked with technology tools: coding, solar robotics, circuit systems, engineering concepts.

List of Materials

LEGOs classic
Spike Prime legos set
mini circuits panels, as needed
Ipads, laptops-
Cardboard
tape, painters tape
glue
Scratch Jr. coding app (if preferred)
Best Inventions 2023 ARTICLE LINK
STEM Challenge Worksheet LINK
NASA Engineering Rubric LINK

4 of 10

Science Standards

Earth Science:

4.E1U2.10 Define problem(s) and design solution(s) to minimize the effects of natural hazards.

Life Science:

5.L4U3.11 Obtain, evaluate, and communicate evidence about how natural and human-caused changes to habitats or climate can impact populations.

Science and Engineering Practices:

● ask questions and define problems

● develop and use models

● use mathematics and computational thinking

● construct explanations and design solutions

● engage in argument from evidence

● obtain, evaluate, and communicate information

5 of 10

Objective(s):

Today you will be able to work on an innovative invention model that is used as advanced technology for an issue you care about.

You will be able to design, plan, create a model using materials on hand.

You will be able to summarize, using detail of each component of your model.

6 of 10

Agenda (45 mins. x 2 days)

Open the activity with overview lesson challenge: slide 7.

Ideas to share with students: Article: Time for Kids: Best Inventions to print out or share digitally with students.

Review ideas, and how it provides help to the public. How does your advanced technology assist the public needs? How important is your invention? How much will it cost? What materials will it be made of?

Complete STEM challenge worksheet .

7 of 10

Opening

Our world needs an advanced technological approach to help solve environmental and human issues.

Your challenge is to create an innovative product that will enhance the technology progress to save the planet and the human race.

8 of 10

Hands-on Activity Instructions

Suggested group structure: Paired work, independently.
STEM challenge worksheet LINK
Students find materials that are helpful to create their models.
Students are able to communicate the objective of the model and how it presents a solution to an issue they care about.

9 of 10

Assessment

NASA Engineering Design RUBRIC LINK

10 of 10

Differentiation

Student can work with a peer.

Provide sample kits, with limited directions.

Provide additional ideas.

Have students discuss ideas with each other to help with the idea generation process.

Provide additional video and book resources.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Students research an issue they care about, and create or develop engineering solutions to assist with ongoing world/community issues.

Students may apply Scratch Jr. to develop an innovative engineering solution and design for current world issues.