Plan
| Week 1 |
Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Project Launch: Toy Exploration - Begin the project with a playful exploration session where students interact with various toys that demonstrate push and pull forces, such as toy cars, spinning tops, and yo-yos. Encourage students to experiment and observe how different strengths and directions of pushes and pulls affect their movement. (30 min)
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Observing Push and Pull - Students engage in outdoor activities where they observe classmates playing on swings, slides, and seesaws. They record observations of push and pull forces in action, using simple drawings or notes. (30 min)
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Group Discussion: Forces in Motion - Facilitate a group discussion where students share their observations from the previous day. Introduce the essential question: 'What happens when we push or pull different materials?' Encourage students to think about how they might use these observations to design a toy. (15 min)
Introduction to Toy Design - Begin brainstorming ideas for toy designs. Students sketch or verbally share their initial ideas for a toy that uses push and pull forces. Discuss the concept of a prototype and how they will use feedback to refine their ideas. (15 min)
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Hands-On Experiment: Push and Pull Strengths - Set up simple experiments using toy cars and ramps. Students test different strengths and directions of push and pull on the cars, observing how these changes affect motion. Record observations in a journal. (20 min)
Reflection and Feedback - Students share their findings with peers and receive feedback. Encourage self-reflection on what worked well and what can be improved in their experimental approach. (10 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Students should have a documented list of observations from their exploration and investigation sessions.
2. Each student should begin to formulate an idea for their toy design that incorporates push and pull forces. 3. Participate in group discussions, contributing observations and ideas on push and pull actions. 4. Complete a simple drawing or description of an observed push or pull action from recess. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather toys that demonstrate push and pull forces, such as toy cars, spinning tops, and yo-yos.
2. Prepare materials for students to document their observations, like drawing paper and pencils. 3. Set up a recording method for recess observations, such as a clipboard with a checklist for push and pull actions. 4. Organize a space for group discussions and brainstorming sessions. |
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| Week 2 |
Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Toy Design Exploration - Invite Craig Pierce to share insights on toy design and robotics, sparking ideas for students' toy creations. Students brainstorm and sketch new toy ideas with a focus on push and pull forces. (30 min)
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Prototype Development - Begin creating simple prototypes using materials like cardboard, string, and wheels. Students test how push and pull forces impact their designs and make adjustments. (20 min)
Peer Feedback Session - Students explain their prototype to a partner and receive feedback on what they could improve or change to enhance their toy's functionality. (10 min)
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Strengths and Directions Experiment - Set up stations with toy cars and ramps to explore varied push and pull strengths and directions. Students observe and document effects on motion using simple charts. (20 min)
Reflection Journal - Students write or draw their observations and thoughts on the prototype development process, focusing on what they learned about push and pull forces. (10 min)
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Collaborative Critique - Engage with 5th-grade students for a critique session where kindergarteners present their prototypes and receive constructive feedback. Discuss ways to refine designs based on feedback. (20 min)
Self-Assessment - Students assess their progress using a simple rubric that focuses on creativity, effectiveness of push and pull forces, and ability to incorporate feedback. (10 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Each student will have a simple prototype of a toy that demonstrates push and pull forces.
2. Students will complete an observation sheet detailing the effects of different pushes and pulls on their prototypes. 3. Feedback notes from 5th-grade students and peers on each prototype's performance and areas for improvement. |
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| Preparation |
1. Collect various materials for toy prototypes, including cardboard, rubber bands, tape, straws, and small wheels.
2. Prepare a simple observation sheet for students to record their findings during the prototype testing. 3. Arrange a space in the classroom or school gymnasium where students can safely test their prototypes. 4. Coordinate with a few 5th-grade students to assist in providing feedback to the kindergartners during the reflection session. |
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| Week 3 |
Day 9
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Day 10
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Day 11
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Day 12
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Prototype Refinement - Students revisit their prototypes and make adjustments based on feedback from peers and older students. Encourage them to think creatively about how to improve the effectiveness of push and pull forces in their designs. (20 min)
Material Exploration - Introduce new materials that students can use to enhance their prototypes, such as rubber bands, magnets, and different types of wheels. Allow students to experiment with these materials to see how they affect the motion of their toys. (10 min)
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Design Challenge: Speed and Distance - Set up a challenge where students test how far and fast their toy can move using push and pull forces. Use simple measuring tools to track and compare results. (15 min)
Group Reflection - Facilitate a group discussion where students share their findings from the design challenge. Encourage them to reflect on what worked well and what they might change to improve their toy's performance. (15 min)
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Feedback Session with Community Partner - Invite Craig Pierce to visit the classroom and offer feedback on students' toy designs. Encourage students to ask questions and gain insights from his expertise in robotics. (20 min)
Self-Directed Design Time - Allow students to incorporate feedback from Craig Pierce and refine their prototypes independently, fostering self-directed learning and decision-making. (10 min)
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Collaborative Prototype Testing - Pair students to test each other's prototypes, focusing on the effectiveness of push and pull forces. Encourage constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement. (20 min)
Reflection and Self-Assessment - Students reflect on their week's progress and assess their prototypes using a developmental rubric focused on creativity, functionality, and incorporation of feedback. (10 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed investigation notes in design journals detailing observations of push and pull effects.
2. Sketched toy designs with labels indicating where push and pull forces are applied. 3. Initial prototypes of toy designs constructed with feedback notes from peers. 4. Reflection entries in design journals summarizing feedback from 5th graders and parents and plans for iteration. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather materials such as small balls, toy cars, rubber bands, cardboard, plastic bottles, and safe crafting tools.
2. Arrange classroom space for hands-on experiments and prototype construction. 3. Prepare design journals for students to document their findings and reflections. 4. Coordinate with 5th-grade students and parents for feedback sessions. 5. Develop prompts and questions to guide discussions on observations of push and pull. |
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| Week 4 |
Day 13
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Day 14
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Day 15
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Day 16
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Final Prototype Adjustments - Allow students to make final adjustments to their toy prototypes using the feedback received in the previous weeks. Encourage them to test their toys to ensure functionality and effectiveness of push and pull forces. (20 min)
Peer Review Session - Pair students to review each other's final prototypes, focusing on creativity, functionality, and use of push and pull forces. Encourage constructive feedback and suggestions for final improvements. (10 min)
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Creative Presentation Planning - Guide students in planning a simple presentation to explain their toy design process and the push and pull forces involved. Encourage them to practice using clear language and visuals. (15 min)
Presentation Rehearsal - Provide time for students to rehearse their presentations with a partner, offering each other feedback on clarity and engagement. (15 min)
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Community Partner Feedback - Invite Cyndy Hagen and Craig Pierce to visit the classroom and provide final feedback on students' toy designs and presentations. Encourage students to ask questions and gain insights. (20 min)
Self-Reflection Journaling - Have students write or draw reflections on their learning journey, focusing on what they have learned about forces, design, and self-directed learning. (10 min)
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Final Exhibition Preparation - Assist students in preparing their toys and presentation materials for the upcoming toy parade. Ensure all students have the resources they need for a successful showcase. (15 min)
Collaborative Celebration - Facilitate a classroom celebration where students share their final products with peers, practicing their presentations and celebrating their achievements in preparation for the exhibition. (15 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Complete a prototype of a toy that utilizes push and pull forces, demonstrating movement.
2. Document observations of how different strengths and directions of forces affect toy movement in a design journal. 3. Receive and incorporate feedback from 5th graders and parents on the toy prototype, noting changes in the journal. 4. Participate in a reflection session with iTech robotics members to discuss prototype improvements and insights. 5. Use the self-assessment checklist to reflect on personal learning and toy design progress. 6. Prepare for the upcoming toy parade by finalizing toy designs and ensuring understanding of the concept of force. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather various toy materials such as cardboard, plastic, rubber bands, wheels, and axles for students to experiment with.
2. Prepare a simple measurement station with rulers and measuring tape for students to measure the distance their prototypes move. 3. Coordinate with 5th-grade student volunteers to assist kindergarten students during the prototype reflection session. 4. Arrange a visit from Craig Pierce to discuss how robotics uses push and pull forces, connecting these concepts to toy design. 5. Set up a feedback board where students can post questions and receive responses from peers and adults. 6. Develop a simple self-assessment checklist for students to evaluate their toy designs and push-pull observations. |
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| Week 5 |
Day 17
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Day 18
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Day 19
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Day 20
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Community Partner Interaction: Cyndy Hagen Visit - Invite Cyndy Hagen to share experiences and insights about toy design. Facilitate a Q&A session where students ask questions related to their toy prototypes. (15 min)
Toy Design Reflection - Students reflect on the feedback received from Cyndy Hagen and discuss in pairs how they might incorporate new ideas into their toy designs. (15 min)
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Prototype Development: Advanced Materials - Introduce students to additional materials like velcro, buttons, and fabric to enhance their toy designs. Allow them time to experiment and integrate these materials into their prototypes. (20 min)
Peer Review and Feedback - Students partner up to review each other's prototypes, focusing on the creative use of materials and effectiveness of push and pull forces. Encourage constructive feedback. (10 min)
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Design Iteration: Enhancing Toy Functionality - Guide students to make further refinements to their toy prototypes based on peer feedback, emphasizing the improvement of push and pull mechanisms. (20 min)
Exploring Measurement: Distance and Speed - Conduct a simple experiment where students measure how far and how fast their toys can move. Use rulers and stopwatches to record data. (10 min)
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Reflective Journaling - Students write or draw about their progress this week, focusing on how they used feedback to improve their toy designs and what they learned about force and motion. (10 min)
Preparation for Toy Parade - Begin planning the Toy Parade by assigning roles and discussing how each student will present their toy. Practice presenting to peers and receiving feedback on presentation skills. (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Revised toy prototypes that reflect feedback received from peers and adults.
2. Completed feedback forms from 5th graders and volunteers. 3. Updated entries in design journals documenting the feedback, reflections, and specific revisions made. 4. A simple measurement chart or notes indicating dimensions or adjustments made to the toy. |
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| Preparation |
1. Arrange for 5th graders and adult volunteers to visit and provide feedback.
2. Gather materials for refining toy prototypes, such as additional craft supplies or tools. 3. Prepare feedback forms for 5th graders and volunteers to use during the critique session. 4. Set up a classroom space conducive to small group presentations and discussions. 5. Provide design journals and writing materials for students to document their reflections and revisions. 6. Organize measurement tools such as rulers or tape measures for students to use. |
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| Week 6 |
Day 21
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Day 22
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Day 23
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Day 24
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Toy Parade Planning - Guide students in planning the sequence and presentation of the toy parade. Discuss roles, order, and how each toy will be showcased. (15 min)
Rehearse Parade Presentation - Students practice presenting their toy designs and explaining the push and pull forces used in their toys. Encourage clear and engaging speeches. (15 min)
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Collaborative Feedback Session - Pair students with 5th graders to rehearse their parade presentations and receive constructive feedback on clarity and engagement. (20 min)
Prototype Finalization - Allow time for students to make last-minute adjustments to their toy prototypes based on feedback, ensuring functionality and creativity. (10 min)
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Exhibition Setup - Assist students in organizing their toy displays and presentation materials for the parade. Ensure each student has space and resources for their showcase. (15 min)
Peer and Self-Reflection - Facilitate a session where students reflect on their journey and the improvements made to their toys. Discuss what they learned about force and toy design. (15 min)
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Toy Parade Execution - Conduct the toy parade where students present their toys to the school, parents, and community partners, explaining the design process and principles of force. (30 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed sketches of toy designs with materials list.
2. Initial toy prototype incorporating push and pull forces. 3. Reflection notes based on peer feedback and observations. 4. Revised toy design plan informed by peer review and self-reflection. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather push and pull toys for demonstration, such as toy cars and spinning tops.
2. Prepare sketching materials, including paper, pencils, and crayons. 3. Collect construction materials like cardboard, string, wheels, and tape. 4. Coordinate with 5th graders and parents for the peer review session. 5. Set up the classroom for hands-on building activities with adequate space for each student. |
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| Week 7 |
Day 25
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Day 26
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Day 27
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Day 28
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Prototype Showcase - Students present their final toy designs to peers, explaining the use of push and pull forces and the design process. Encourage questions and peer feedback. (15 min)
Community Partner Feedback - Invite Craig Pierce to provide insights and feedback on students' final prototypes, offering suggestions for improvement and further exploration. (15 min)
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Rehearsal of Toy Parade Presentations - Students practice their parade presentations, focusing on clear explanations of their design process and the principles of force. Encourage peer feedback to improve clarity and engagement. (15 min)
Final Design Adjustments - Allow students time to make any last adjustments to their toy designs based on feedback from peers and community partners. (15 min)
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Exhibition Preparation - Help students organize their toys and presentation materials for the toy parade. Discuss the sequence of presentations and ensure each student is ready for their showcase. (15 min)
Reflection and Journaling - Students reflect on their learning journey, writing or drawing about what they have learned about force, toy design, and self-directed learning. (15 min)
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Full Dress Rehearsal - Conduct a rehearsal of the toy parade, allowing students to practice presenting their toys to the class and receive final feedback. Ensure all students are confident in their presentation skills. (20 min)
Collaborative Celebration - Facilitate a classroom celebration where students share their final products and learning experiences, preparing for the upcoming exhibition. (10 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Students will finalize their toy prototypes incorporating push and pull mechanisms.
2. Completion of reflection journals with notes on feedback received from 5th graders, parents, and peers. 3. A list of improvements or changes to be made based on feedback. 4. A brief oral presentation by each student sharing their design process and learning experiences with the class. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for final toy prototypes: recyclable materials, craft supplies, glue, tape, and child-safe tools.
2. Coordinate with 5th-grade students and parents for the upcoming reflection and critique session. 3. Prepare reflection journals for students to document feedback and improvements. 4. Set up a space for the reflection session with 5th graders and parents. 5. Arrange a session with Craig Pierce for advice on toy design optimization. 6. Collect and organize previous feedback from peers and teachers for student review. |
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| Week 8 |
Day 29
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Day 30
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Day 31
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Day 32
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Final Toy Prototype Review - Students conduct a final review of their toy prototypes, ensuring all components work correctly and the push and pull mechanisms are effective. They test their toys and make any necessary adjustments. (15 min)
Presentation Skills Refinement - Facilitate a session where students practice explaining their toy design and the forces involved. Offer guidance on clear communication and encourage engaging presentations. (15 min)
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Parade Rehearsal - Conduct a full rehearsal of the toy parade, allowing students to practice their presentations and receiving feedback from peers on clarity and engagement. Ensure the parade sequence is well-organized. (20 min)
Exhibition Setup Prep - Assist students in organizing their toy displays and presentation materials for the parade. Ensure each student knows their role and display setup. (10 min)
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Community Partner Engagement - Invite Craig Pierce and Cyndy Hagen for a final visit. Students present their toy designs and receive valuable feedback and encouragement. Facilitate a Q&A session for further insights. (20 min)
Reflective Journaling - Students write or draw reflections on their learning journey, focusing on how they used feedback to improve their designs and what they learned about forces and toy design. (10 min)
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Toy Parade Execution - Conduct the toy parade where students present their toys to the school, parents, and community partners. Each student explains the design process and principles of push and pull forces involved in their toys. (30 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed toy prototypes demonstrating push and pull forces.
2. Reflection notes from feedback session with 5th graders and parents. 3. Self-assessment rubric filled out by each student. 4. Successful presentation of toys during Toy Parade exhibition. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for toy finalization: adhesives, additional components.
2. Coordinate with 5th grade students and parents for reflection session participation. 3. Prepare self-assessment rubrics tailored to kindergarten level. 4. Arrange logistics for Toy Parade, including parade route and brunch setup. 5. Ensure all students have completed their toy designs for exhibition. |
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