Brainy Builders: Model & Mastermind!

Design for Mastery Kit

NEW

1st Grade Project 4 weeks

Brainy Builders: Model & Mastermind!

Kristijonas V

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Purpose

Students will explore the fascinating world of the brain through hands-on activities, fostering curiosity and understanding of how their own minds work. By building a model of the brain, they will gain a tangible sense of its structure and function. The project culminates in a fun, interactive Kahoot quiz, reinforcing their learning and allowing them to demonstrate their knowledge. Throughout the process, students will engage in discussions about brain health, encouraging them to think about ways to keep their brains healthy and active.

Learning goals

Students will explore the basic structure and functions of the brain through hands-on activities. By building a brain model, they will identify key parts of the brain and understand their roles in everyday activities. The project will culminate in a fun, interactive Kahoot quiz to assess their understanding of brain health and function. Through these activities, students will develop foundational knowledge of neuroscience and the importance of maintaining brain health.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1: Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 1 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.MD.A.2: Express the length of an object as a whole number of length units by laying multiple copies of a shorter object (the length unit) end to end.
NGSS - 1-LS1-1: Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.

Products

Students will create a 3D brain model using clay, labeling key parts to understand their functions. They will conduct a brain health checkup by interviewing family members and creating a simple checklist that promotes brain-friendly habits. The final product will be a presentation where students share their brain models and health checkup findings, using Kahoot to test their classmates' knowledge on brain health.

Launch

Begin the project with a "Brain Discovery Day" where students explore interactive stations featuring brain-related activities. Set up a sensory station with items like textured objects and scents to discuss how the brain processes information. Introduce a simple brain model to spark curiosity, and engage students in a short story about a day in the life of their brain. Conclude with a group discussion where students share what they already know and what they hope to learn about the brain.

Exhibition

Students will create a brain model using clay and craft materials, showcasing different parts of the brain and their functions. At the end of the project, host a "Brain Health Fair" where students present their models to classmates, teachers, and family members. Incorporate interactive stations where visitors can take a Kahoot quiz designed by the students, testing their knowledge about brain health and function. Engage community partners such as local health professionals to provide insights on brain health and wellness, enhancing the learning experience.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1
Activities	Brain Discovery Day - Begin with interactive stations featuring brain-related activities such as a sensory station with textured objects and scents to discuss how the brain processes information (30 min) Introduction to Brain Model - Introduce a simple brain model to spark curiosity and engage students in a short story about a day in the life of their brain (30 min) Group Discussion - Facilitate a discussion where students share what they already know and what they hope to learn about the brain (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Students complete the initial clay model of the brain with labeled parts, showing an understanding of basic brain structure and function.
Preparation	1. Gather materials such as clay, craft items, labels, and simple brain models for hands-on activities. 2. Prepare a sensory station with diverse items that stimulate touch and smell. 3. Develop a short story about a day in the life of the brain to engage students and set the context for learning. 4. Create a checklist or guide to facilitate group discussions and ensure alignment with Common Core standards.

Week 2	Day 2
Activities	Examine the Brain in Action - Watch a short video showing how different parts of the brain control various activities, and discuss observations (20 min) Brain Function Role-Play - Students act out how different brain parts work together during daily tasks, promoting understanding of brain functions (30 min) Question Generation - In groups, create a list of questions about brain functions and health to guide further exploration (40 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed clay model of the brain with labeled parts: Students will have a partially constructed clay model of the brain with correctly labeled parts by the end of the week. 2. List of interview questions: Students will create a list of questions to ask family members about their brain health practices.
Preparation	1. Gather clay and craft materials for constructing the brain model, ensuring each student has enough supplies. 2. Prepare colorful diagrams or illustrations of the brain's anatomy for the introductory activity. 3. Print pre-made labels with simple descriptions for each part of the brain to support the labeling activity. 4. Develop a list of example questions for the family interview that students can use or modify. 5. Arrange the classroom to facilitate group discussions and model construction activities, ensuring students can work comfortably.

Week 3	Day 3
Activities	Engineer: Brain Model Planning - Students will develop a plan to build their clay brain model, selecting key parts to include and determining how to label them (20 min) Engineer: T.A.G. Feedback Session - Share brain model plans with a peer team, receive feedback using T.A.G. (Tell, Ask, Give), and make improvements (30 min) Engineer: Brain Model Construction - Begin constructing the clay brain model, focusing on shaping and placing the major parts (40 min)
Deliverables	1. Complete 3D brain model with labeled key parts. 2. Brain health checklist and findings from interviews.
Preparation	1. Provide sufficient clay and craft materials for building brain models. 2. Prepare storytelling resources that explain the functions of brain parts in an engaging manner. 3. Create simple brain health checklist templates for students to use during their interviews. 4. Arrange space for collaborative discussions and sharing sessions.

Week 4	Day 4
Activities	Do: Brain Model Building - Students finalize their 3D brain models using clay, ensuring all key parts are labeled and correctly positioned (40 min) Do: Brain Health Checkup Interviews - Students conduct interviews with family members to gather information on brain-friendly habits, and complete their checklists (30 min) Do: Data Analysis and Reflection - Students analyze the data from their interviews, reflect on the findings, and discuss ways to promote brain health (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed 3D brain model with labeled parts. 2. Presentation on brain health checkup findings. 3. Kahoot quiz questions prepared and ready for the Brain Health Fair.
Preparation	1. Ensure availability of clay, craft materials, and labeling supplies for finalizing brain models. 2. Set up presentation tools (e.g., poster boards, digital slides) for students to prepare their health checkup findings. 3. Prepare devices and internet access for running the Kahoot quiz during the Brain Health Fair. 4. Organize the space for the Brain Health Fair, including tables for model displays and a projection area for the Kahoot quiz.