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The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

A Pig Parade is a Terrible Idea STEM Challenge

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A Pig Parade is a Terrible Idea

STEM Challenge

A Kindergarten STEM Lesson

Luz-Maria Van Daam

March 2023

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Notes for Teachers

  • This lesson takes place in a classroom for two days.
  • The lesson may be extended over several days to provide time for problem solving.
  • Students work independently to create their own design using a device to help their balloon float.
  • Teacher will facilitate lesson by assisting students as needed.

List of Materials

    • A Pig Parade Is a Terrible Idea by Michael Ian Black
    • Bee-Bots, Sphero, Ipad, or Dash Robot
    • Balloons
    • Masking Tape
    • Popsicle sticks
    • Pipe Cleaners
    • Straws
    • Yarn
    • Construction Paper
    • Scissors
    • Balloon pump
    • 16oz plastic cups (to be used with Sphero robot)

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Standards

AZ Computer Science Standards:

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K.AP.A.1 With teacher assistance, model daily processes by following algorithms (sets of step-by-step instructions) to complete tasks.

K.AP.PD.1 With teacher assistance, develop plans that describe a program’s sequence of events, goals, and expected outcomes.

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AZ Science Core Ideas:

P3: Changing the movement of an object requires a net force to be acting on it.

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U2: The knowledge produced by science is used in engineering and technologies to solve problems and/or create products.

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Science and Engineering Practices 

  • ask questions and define problems
  • develop and use models
  • plan and carry out investigations
  • analyze and interpret data
  • use mathematical and computational thinking
  • construct explanations and design solutions
  • engage in argument from evidence
  • obtain, evaluate and communicate information

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AZ ELA Standards – KINDERGARTEN

  • Reading Standards for Literature Key Ideas and Details

K.W.1.With guidance and support from adults, use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to compose opinion pieces in which they tell a reader the topic or the name of the book they are writing about and state an opinion or preference about the topic or book (e.g., My favorite book is . . .)

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AZ Math Standards – KINDERGARTEN

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  • Classify objects and count the number of objects in each category.

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K.MD.B . Classify objects into given categories; count the number in each category and sort the categories by count. (Note: limit category counts to be less than or equal to 10.)

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Objective(s):

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ELA:Comprehension Question

Pre-writing-brainstorming concept map: Students will pick an animal to write about and brainstorm why a _____ parade is a terrible idea.

Concept Map:"Why is a Lion Parade a Terrible Idea?" "Why is a Monkey Parade a Terrible Idea?”

Students will get to write their own “A _____ is a Terrible Idea” to practice stating an opinion with supporting examples and details using prewriting skills and their balloon float.

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Math: Students will compete with other students to see who's balloon lasts for the longest distance. See who can build a structure that can hold their balloon highest.

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Students will graph their results as to which robot was the fastest.

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Agenda (lesson 45 minutes)

Why do pigs make a terrible float?

What robots were better for the race?

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Intro

What materials are better for a balloon float?

•Which robots are better for a balloon float race?

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

  • Students will be introduced to the materials for the floats.
  • Give students paper to draft their animal float ideas.
  • Students may be given the various choice of robots such as a Beebot, sphero, or Dash.
  • Students will use their robot and attach their animal balloon.
  • Students will take turns running their float in front of the screen for the parade.
  • Instruct students to graph their results of which robot was the fastest.

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  • Teacher will introduce the task by reading

A Pig Parade Is a Terrible Idea by Michael Ian Black.

  • Teacher will ask students:
  • Which animal do they believe is a better choice for an animal float?
  • For this task students will design and create a balloon float for an animal parade.
  • Teacher will share materials and explain safety rules.

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Assessment

  • Test your animal float.
  • Which robot was the best choice for a better float?
  • Which robot was the fastest?
  • Which animal makes a better float?

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ELA Assessment

  • Student will be able to give an opinion in a writing activity.
  • Student will be able to tell the purpose of the authors choice of animal for a float.

Science Engineering

Assessment

  • Student will be able use a robot to code and use for a float.
  • Student will be able to engineer and design a float for a float race.

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Assessment

  • Teacher will be able to assess students opinion pre-writing skills. Is the student able to give 2-3 details to support opinion writing.
  • Teacher will be able to assess students coding of the robot to move as a float.
  • Teacher will be able to assess students engineering designs to problem solve the best animal float.
  • Teacher will be able to assess graphing interpretation of data.

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Differentiation

  • Provide cut outs of various animals.
  • Provide extra time or days to complete lesson.
  • Provide students extra time/days try to improve their floats.
  • Provide opportunities for students to work on floats in teams.

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Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Challenge:

  • After all groups have gotten a chance to show off their designs, have the class vote for their favorite design.
  • Students design a balloon and a device to keep it floating in the air.
  • Students may be challenged to race their floats against classmates and graph their results.

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