Grades 5-8 will begin working on their Cardboard Arcade Challenge. They will begin with research to decide what game they would like to create, how it will be played, the object of the game, and what materials they will need. They will be going through the DESIGN LOOP as they develop the game over the course of several weeks (other activities will be mixed in during that time as well). 

Grades K-4 will design and construct their bottle rockets with the plan to launch them, next class. (weather pending) They will learn about rockets and how they work and then in partners they will design their rocket.

Grades 5-8 Big Question: How can I design and build a robotic hand using everyday materials?
Students will create robotic hands using cardstock, straws, string, and hot glue.
They will understand how joints, muscles, and bones in the hand work to move our fingers. 

Grades K-4 - Big Question: Can you blow up a balloon using a chemical reaction?
Students will use common household chemicals in a bottle to create a chemical reaction that will inflate a balloon.

Students will create catapults to launch a candy pumpkin projectile. 
Technology used to understand how a catapult works and what it does.
Math to figure out supplies needed
Engineering to construct a working catapult 
Science to test the catapults

Due to conferences (early dismissals) STEM this week will be dedicated to MAKERSPACE time! Students will have the chance to build and create without a dedicated project. They will use the design process to come up with an idea and the materials we have in the classroom to build it. Mrs. Z will provide ideas and guidance and students will use the design process to bring their ideas to life! 

Makerspaces allow students to create, discover, collaborate, innovate, problem-solve, invent, design, and imagine! 

K-8
Big Question: Can you build a ship with the materials given to you that will hold the most weight?
Vocabulary: Buoyancy 
Design Thinking: What shape do you think you should make your boat so that it can hold the most weight?
Emphasis on the Design Process