The Lighthouse Keeper's Lunch

Before class

-Set out 6 trays of the constraint materials before class starts. Engineers can get more of any of those items.

-Put the design sheet on clipboards.

-Put 3 snacks into "Send a Snack" bags.

-Setting up small pieces of masking tape is helpful. (I put it around the trays.)

-If time, set up a pulley system high across the room using large spools. Make a lunch to hang. Students could use this as a model to help their thinking.

Timing

-Students can present their models or you could also set up prototypes and do a museum-type walk about. It is also ok for us to share later!

-Be sure to leave 10 minutes for clean up!

Before meeting our client, tackle the "Send a Snack" challenge with a small group of 3! Using only the materials found in your lunch bag (2 spools, 2 dowels, string, paperclip, snacks), move the snack to your friend across the room.

Please make sure everyone gets a turn creating a way to move the snack. And make sure everyone gets a snack. But... let's save the snacks for the story!

Stop after Mrs. Grinling says, "Wait and see, just wait and see" on Wednesday evening.

Possible Discussion Questions for along the Way: What is a scavenger? What kind of animals are scavengers? Has an animal ever tried to take your food?

What is the problem you noticed?

1. Think: Look at the material tray. Come up with a detailed plan on the design sheet using sharpie and color pencil. Be sure to label everything carefully. We will put an illustrated Word Bank up on the board!

2. Make: Using only the materials available (constraints)*, make a prototype.

3. Improve: Make changes to your design as needed.

4. Get photo taken with prototype and design sheet.

5. Design sheets can be put in the "Put it Here" box.

6. Be prepared to share.

-paper

-cardstock

-brads

-coffee filters

-pipe cleaners

-popsicle sticks

-recycled plastic bags (over the sink in bag)

-tape

-scissors

-spoons

-yarn

-rubberbands

-tin foil

-toilet paper rolls

-kleenex

-erasers

-brown paper lunch bag

-tinfoil

Norms:

Everyone participates

Be kind, helpful and specific

Celebrate everyone’s hard work

Introduce yourselves

Share your prototype

Talk about the design process

(T.M.I. Think-Make-Improve)

Talk about the materials you used

Talk about teamwork

Thank you and any questions

Celebrations!