4th Grade Novel Adventures in Motion

High School Grade

Project
4 weeks

4th Grade Novel Adventures in Motion

Joana Sevilla Ruiz Esparza

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage students in a creative exploration of literature through the design and construction of cardboard automata. By combining engineering principles with storytelling, students will deepen their understanding of a novel's themes and character journeys. This hands-on experience encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and innovation, culminating in a dynamic exhibition that showcases their unique interpretations and engineering skills.

Learning goals

Students will develop an understanding of the engineering principles behind automata design and apply these concepts to create a moving art piece. They will analyze and interpret the themes and character development within a novel, translating these literary elements into a visual and kinetic format. Through collaboration and iterative design processes, students will enhance their problem-solving skills and creativity. They will also learn to communicate their ideas effectively through both visual and written mediums, culminating in a public exhibition of their work.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.3: Analyze how complex characters develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grades 9-10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
NGSS - HS-ETS1-2: Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.

Products

Students will create a fully functional cardboard automaton that visually represents a key moment or theme from their chosen novel. Throughout the project, they will also develop a design portfolio documenting their brainstorming sketches, prototype iterations, and engineering challenges encountered. Additionally, students will prepare a presentation that explains the connection between their automaton's movement and the novel's narrative, which they will share during the 'Living Literature Gallery' exhibition.

Launch

Begin the project with an engaging 'Prototype Day' where students actively create initial automata prototypes using simple materials, exploring movement mechanisms. Facilitate peer feedback sessions to refine their ideas and spark creativity. Continue with a collaborative 'Character Journey Workshop,' where students sketch and discuss their automata designs, emphasizing key moments in their chosen character's journey from the novel.

Exhibition

Students will present their cardboard automata at a 'Living Literature Gallery,' where each display is accompanied by a brief narrative explaining the character's journey and how it inspired the automaton's design. Invite peers, teachers, and family members to explore the gallery, interact with the moving art, and engage in discussions about the novel and engineering concepts. Incorporate QR codes that link to student-created videos or digital presentations, offering deeper insights into their design process and thematic connections.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Project Introduction and Automata Exploration: Introduce students to the concept of automata and provide an overview of the project goals. Discuss the essential questions and how engineering principles can be applied to create moving art. Show examples of simple automata to spark interest.	Character Selection and Analysis: Have students select a character from their chosen novel. Conduct a character analysis session where they identify key moments in the character's journey and discuss how these moments could be represented visually and through movement.	Prototype Day: Supply students with basic materials like cardboard, scissors, and tape to create quick, rough prototypes of their automata. Encourage experimentation with movement ideas. Facilitate a peer feedback session where students share their prototypes and gather constructive feedback.	Character Journey Workshop: Organize small group sessions where students brainstorm and sketch initial designs of their automata. Focus on how to visually and kinetically represent a pivotal moment in their character's journey from the novel.
Deliverables	1. Completed character analysis worksheet identifying key moments in the character's journey with potential visual and movement representations. 2. Initial sketches and notes detailing the proposed automaton design and movement concept.
Preparation	1. Gather and organize basic prototyping materials such as cardboard, scissors, tape, string, and fasteners for Prototype Day. 2. Prepare a presentation on automata, including examples and engineering principles, to introduce the project. 3. Create a character analysis worksheet to guide students in identifying key moments and themes from their novel. 4. Arrange for a guest speaker from a local engineering firm to discuss real-world applications of automata design (if possible).

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Mechanics Exploration: Engage students in hands-on activities to explore different mechanical movements (e.g., levers, cams, gears) that can be incorporated into their automata. Facilitate a workshop where students experiment with creating simple movement mechanisms using cardboard and other basic materials.	Design Iteration and Feedback: Have students refine their initial automata designs based on feedback received from peers during Prototype Day. Encourage them to incorporate the explored mechanical movements to better represent their character's journey.	Narrative Integration Session: Guide students in aligning their automaton's movement with the novel's themes and character development. Facilitate a group discussion where students share their revised designs and explain how the movement reflects the narrative.
Deliverables	1. Completed mechanical movement exploration worksheet detailing the types of movements tested and their potential application in the automaton. 2. Revised automaton design sketch with annotated notes explaining the chosen mechanical elements and their connection to the character's journey.
Preparation	1. Prepare materials for the mechanics exploration workshop, including cardboard, fasteners, rubber bands, and example templates of simple mechanical movements. 2. Create a guide with examples of mechanical movements and their potential applications in automata design to assist students in their exploration. 3. Develop a narrative integration template to help students connect their automaton's movement with the novel's themes and character journeys. 4. Coordinate a peer feedback session framework to ensure constructive and productive design iteration discussions.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Construction Phase: Students begin building their cardboard automata using their refined designs. Encourage collaboration as students troubleshoot and test their mechanisms.	Artistic Embellishment: Guide students in adding artistic elements to their automata, such as painting and decorating to reflect the themes and aesthetics of their chosen novel.	Peer Review and Refinement: Conduct a session where students present their nearly completed automata to peers for feedback. Focus on both the mechanical function and the narrative storytelling aspects.
Deliverables	1. Partially constructed automaton with functioning mechanical movement, ready for final adjustments. 2. Artistic design plan outlining how the visual aesthetics enhance the narrative and theme of the automaton.
Preparation	1. Gather and organize additional construction materials, including paints, brushes, decorative elements, and adhesives. 2. Prepare a guide with tips on integrating visual art elements that align with the novel's themes. 3. Set up a peer review framework that provides structured feedback focusing on both mechanical and narrative aspects. 4. Coordinate with the local engineering firm to provide additional support or troubleshooting tips during the construction phase.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Final Construction and Testing: Students finalize the construction of their automata, ensuring all mechanical components are functional and aligned with the narrative. Encourage students to test and refine their mechanisms for smooth operation.	Presentation Preparation: Guide students in preparing a presentation for the 'Living Literature Gallery.' This includes rehearsing their explanations of the automaton's movement, its connection to the novel's themes, and the character's journey.	Living Literature Gallery Exhibition: Host the exhibition where students display their finished automata alongside excerpts from the novel. Students present their work to peers, teachers, and family members, explaining the engineering and narrative connections.
Deliverables	1. Completed and fully functional cardboard automaton ready for exhibition. 2. Presentation script or outline summarizing the automaton's design process, thematic connections, and character journey.
Preparation	1. Organize the exhibition space for the 'Living Literature Gallery,' ensuring areas for displays and presentations are clearly defined. 2. Provide any necessary technical equipment for student presentations, such as projectors or audio support. 3. Create a schedule for the exhibition, including time slots for each student's presentation to ensure a smooth flow. 4. Coordinate with community partners, such as the local engineering firm, for any final support or guest attendance at the exhibition.