1-Pager
1st Grade  Project 2 weeks

Marble Mania: First Grade Fun Run!

Suni C
Anchor Standard 8
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Content Expertise
+ 1 more
1-pager

Purpose

This project aims to engage first-grade students in a hands-on exploration of physics principles through the creation of a marble run. By designing and building their own marble runs, students will deepen their understanding of concepts such as gravity, motion, and material properties while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The experience fosters self-directed learning and effective communication as students collaborate, reflect, and present their findings. Ultimately, the project encourages students to connect their learning to real-world applications, enhancing their sense of identity and belonging within the classroom community.

Learning goals

Students will explore and apply principles of gravity and motion by designing a marble run that maximizes distance using various materials. They will engage in critical thinking and problem-solving by testing different angles and heights to understand their effects on speed and direction. Through collaborative design and critique sessions, students will develop self-directed learning skills and effective communication as they refine their projects based on feedback. The experience will culminate in a Marble Run Race Day, where students will demonstrate their understanding and celebrate their achievements.
Standards
  • [National Core Arts Standards] Anchor Standard 8 - Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.

Products

Students will collaboratively design and construct a large-scale marble run using recycled materials, incorporating their understanding of angles, heights, and material properties to maximize travel distance. Each student will contribute a section of the run, integrating interactive elements such as levers and pulleys to explore simple machines and their effects on motion. The final product will be showcased during a 'Marble Run Race Day,' where students will present their designs and demonstrate the impact of their creative choices on the marble's path and speed.

Launch

Kick off the marble run project with a dynamic demonstration where students observe a marble navigating a pre-built run. Encourage them to make predictions about the marble's path and discuss what they notice about speed and direction changes. Follow this with a hands-on exploration session where students experiment with various materials and angles, sparking curiosity and setting the stage for their own design process.

Exhibition

Host a 'Marble Run Race Day' where students showcase their marble runs to peers and family members. Set up interactive stations where students explain the science behind their designs, including the effects of angles, heights, and materials on marble speed and direction. Encourage students to engage visitors by demonstrating their marble runs and discussing the problem-solving process they used to optimize their designs.