6th Grade
Project
5 weeks
Coop Crafter: Eggs, Genes, and Greens!
1-pager
Purpose
This project aims to immerse 6th-grade students in a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience that combines STEM principles with environmental stewardship. By designing and building sustainable chicken coops, students will apply geometry, ratios, and genetics in real-world contexts, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The project also encourages students to explore broader themes of sustainability and waste management, empowering them to make meaningful contributions to their school community and beyond.
Learning goals
Students will develop an understanding of sustainable design principles by constructing a chicken coop that addresses animal welfare and environmental impact. They will apply geometry skills to create accurate blueprints and scale models, enhancing their spatial reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Through exploring Mendelian genetics, students will gain insights into inheritance patterns and make evidence-based predictions about egg colors. The project will also foster awareness of waste management and conservation, as students engage in composting practices and explore the lifecycle of organic matter.
Standards
- Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.G.A.1: Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving area, surface area, and volume.
- NGSS - MS-LS3-2: Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in offspring with identical genetic information and sexual reproduction results in offspring with genetic variation.
- NGSS - MS-ESS3-3: Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing human impact on the environment.
Products
Students will create detailed blueprints and 3D models of sustainable chicken coops, integrating innovative design features that prioritize both chicken welfare and environmental considerations. Throughout the project, they will develop and refine prototypes using recycled materials, showcasing their understanding of geometry and design principles. Additionally, students will prepare interactive presentations for the 'Chickens and Conservation Day,' where they will lead workshops and demonstrations on chicken care, waste management, and composting.
Launch
Kick off the project with an immersive 'Chickens and Genetics Day,' where students rotate through interactive stations exploring Mendelian genetics through hands-on activities, such as predicting egg colors and simulating genetic traits with colored beads. Follow this with a 'Ventilation and Habitat Workshop' where students learn about essential design elements for chicken health, then apply their knowledge by crafting 3D models of their coop designs using recycled materials. Conclude the launch with a 'Chickens in the Community' event, connecting students with local urban farmers to gain insights into real-world chicken care challenges and solutions, sparking inspiration for their coop projects.
Exhibition
During the 'Chickens and Conservation Day,' students will present their sustainable chicken coop designs and blueprints, highlighting unique features that cater to both chicken welfare and environmental sustainability. They will lead interactive workshops, demonstrating their understanding of genetics through egg color prediction activities and showcasing their composting knowledge with live demonstrations. Attendees will engage with hands-on activities, exploring the practical applications of student learning, while students articulate the real-world impact of their projects. The event will foster community involvement, inviting local urban farmers to provide feedback and share insights, creating a collaborative learning environment.
Plan
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Project Introduction - Discuss the essential question and introduce the chicken coop project, focusing on sustainability and food waste solutions (15 min)
Chickens and Food Waste Exploration - Facilitate a brainstorming session to explore how chicken care can address school food waste, encouraging students to share ideas and insights (15 min)
Design Challenge Kickoff - Introduce the project requirements and expectations, emphasizing creative design features that address food waste and environmental impact (15 min)
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Geometry in Coop Design - Conduct a hands-on geometry session where students measure and calculate dimensions for a model chicken coop, applying real-world problem-solving skills (20 min)
Blueprint Sketching - Guide students as they begin sketching initial blueprints of their chicken coops, integrating their geometry calculations (25 min)
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Mendelian Genetics Introduction - Introduce Mendelian genetics through a hands-on activity using Punnett squares to predict chicken egg colors (20 min)
Egg Color Prediction Activity - Engage students in a prediction activity where they apply genetics knowledge to hypothesize potential egg colors of future chickens (25 min)
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Ventilation and Habitat Essentials - Explore the importance of ventilation and habitat design for chicken health through an interactive workshop (20 min)
3D Model Creation - Begin creating 3D models of their coop designs using recycled materials, focusing on ventilation and habitat considerations (25 min)
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Chickens in the Community - Host a session connecting students with local urban farmers to learn about real-world chicken care challenges and solutions (20 min)
Incorporating Insights - Encourage students to incorporate insights gained from community connections into their coop designs and project plans (25 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed scale model of a compost bin designed for managing food waste and chicken feces, using recycled materials.
2. Students' notes and observations from 'Chickens in the Community' event, outlining key insights on chicken care and waste management. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather recycled materials such as cardboard, plastic containers, and wood scraps for students to use in creating scale models.
2. Arrange visits or virtual meetings with local urban farmers or chicken keepers to provide real-world insights. 3. Set up interactive stations for the 'Chickens and Food Waste Day' and 'Ventilation and Habitat Workshop' with necessary supplies like measuring tapes, protractors, and 3D modeling software. |
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| Week 2 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Exploring Geometry in Coop Design - Introduce students to the basics of geometry needed for constructing the chicken coop, focusing on calculating area and perimeter with hands-on activities using graph paper and measuring tools (45 min)
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Applying Geometry to Model Coops - Have students use their geometry skills to create scale models of their chicken coop designs, using recycled materials to emphasize sustainability (30 min)
Peer Review and Feedback - Facilitate a session where students present their scale models to peers for constructive feedback, focusing on design effectiveness and sustainability (15 min)
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Understanding Mendelian Genetics - Conduct an interactive session using Punnett squares to predict egg color outcomes, connecting genetics to real-world chicken care (25 min)
Genetics Prediction Activity - Engage students in a hands-on activity using colored beads to simulate genetic traits and predictions related to their chicken breeds (20 min)
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Designing a Waste Management System - Introduce the concept of food waste management and how it can be incorporated into chicken care, brainstorm ideas for integrating school food waste into chicken feed or compost (20 min)
Prototype Compost Bins - Guide students in designing and building small compost bin prototypes to manage chicken waste, using recycled materials and simple tools (25 min)
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Finalizing Coop Blueprints - Assist students in translating their scale models into detailed blueprints, including geometric calculations and sustainability considerations (30 min)
Reflection and Planning - Facilitate a reflective discussion on the week's learning and plan for the next week's focus on refining coop designs and incorporating feedback (15 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Detailed chicken coop blueprints incorporating geometry calculations and sustainable design features.
2. Food waste management plan, including a flowchart for waste collection and utilization. 3. Functional prototype compost bins created from recycled materials. |
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| Preparation |
1. Collect recycled materials and tools for construction activities, including cardboard, plastic bottles, and scissors.
2. Prepare geometry lesson materials, such as rulers, protractors, and graph paper. 3. Gather research resources on sustainable design and food waste management, including articles and videos. 4. Set up a designated workspace for building prototypes and conducting experiments. |
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| Week 3 | Day 11 | Day 12 | Day 13 | Day 14 | Day 15 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Coop Design Refinement - Guide students in refining their chicken coop designs based on feedback from peers and community insights, focusing on sustainability and functionality (25 min)
Detailing Ventilation and Waste Management - Facilitate a session where students incorporate detailed plans for ventilation and waste management into their coop blueprints, ensuring chicken health and environmental considerations (20 min)
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Prototype Construction - Begin constructing prototypes of chicken coops using recycled materials, emphasizing structural integrity and design features like raised roosts and ramps (30 min)
Reflect and Adjust - Conduct a reflective session where students assess their prototype progress, identifying areas for improvement and making necessary adjustments (15 min)
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Understanding Proportions in Coop Design - Engage students in a hands-on activity to calculate and apply ratios and proportions to ensure correct scale and balance in their coop designs (20 min)
Egg Color Prediction Analysis - Facilitate an analysis session where students present their egg color predictions using genetic principles, discussing potential variations and outcomes (25 min)
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Composting Integration - Lead a workshop on integrating compost systems into the coop design, focusing on converting chicken waste and school food scraps into compost efficiently (25 min)
Prototype Testing - Allow students to test their coop prototypes for functionality, using the opportunity to observe how design elements like ramps and ventilation work in practice (20 min)
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Finalizing Designs and Blueprints - Assist students in finalizing their chicken coop designs and detailed blueprints, ensuring all elements are aligned with sustainability goals (30 min)
Weekly Reflection and Planning - Facilitate a reflection session on the advances made during the week and outline the focus for the next week’s activities, emphasizing completion (15 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. A detailed plan for a composting system that integrates school food waste and chicken feces.
2. Revised chicken coop designs that include features for waste management and feeding systems. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for constructing small-scale compost bins, such as recycled containers and organic waste.
2. Prepare informational resources on decomposition and composting processes for students to reference. 3. Coordinate with the school cafeteria to understand the types and amounts of food waste produced. 4. Collect data on the nutritional needs of chickens and suitable food scraps for feeding. 5. Ensure access to tools and materials needed for students to update their chicken coop blueprints and 3D models. |
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| Week 4 | Day 16 | Day 17 | Day 18 | Day 19 | Day 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Coop Design Refinement - Work on refining chicken coop designs, focusing on enhancing ventilation and waste management systems using feedback from previous weeks (25 min)
Waste Management Plan Drafting - Develop a comprehensive food waste management plan, detailing how school food waste can be effectively integrated into chicken care and composting (20 min)
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Blueprint Finalization - Finalize detailed blueprints of chicken coops, ensuring all geometric calculations and sustainable design features are accurately represented (25 min)
3D Model Adjustments - Make necessary adjustments to 3D models based on blueprint finalizations and peer feedback, using recycled materials to emphasize sustainability (20 min)
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Composting System Design - Design a functional composting system for chicken feces, integrating it with the food waste management plan to ensure environmental impact is minimized (25 min)
Practical Application Session - Apply the composting system design by beginning to build the compost bin using available materials and tools (20 min)
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Genetics and Egg Color Review - Review Mendelian genetics concepts and egg color prediction activities, reinforcing learning through practical applications with Punnett squares (20 min)
Interactive Genetics Workshop - Conduct a hands-on workshop where students simulate genetic crosses using colored beads to predict egg color outcomes of their chickens (25 min)
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Exhibition Preparation - Prepare for the 'Chickens and Conservation Day' by organizing coop designs, blueprints, and compost plans for presentation, ensuring all projects are ready for display (25 min)
Presentation Practice - Practice presenting coop designs and waste management solutions, focusing on clear communication and engaging storytelling for the upcoming exhibition (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed 3D model and detailed blueprint of the chicken coop, including waste management features.
2. A draft plan for the food waste management system, detailing how food scraps will be collected and used. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather recycled materials for students to use in refining their 3D models.
2. Prepare resources on effective food waste management strategies, such as videos or guest speakers. 3. Collect data on the types and quantities of food waste produced at the school to inform student designs. 4. Set up a feedback session format, ensuring students have tools for constructive peer evaluation. |
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| Week 5 | Day 21 | Day 22 | Day 23 | Day 24 | Day 25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Final Coop Construction - Collaborate in groups to assemble the final chicken coop using the refined blueprints and scale models, ensuring all design features are implemented (45 min)
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Egg Color Prediction Review - Conduct a session where students compare their genetic predictions with actual egg colors, analyzing any differences and discussing genetic variability (20 min)
Preparing for Exhibition - Begin organizing materials and presentations for the 'Chickens and Conservation Day,' ensuring each group has clear roles and tasks (25 min)
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Waste Management Plan Presentation - Share the developed plans for integrating school food waste into chicken care, including composting strategies, with peers for feedback (20 min)
Exhibition Rehearsal - Practice presentations and workshops for the upcoming exhibition, refining communication skills and ensuring clarity in explanations (25 min)
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Final Touches on Coop Design - Make any necessary adjustments to the coop before the exhibition, ensuring all features prioritize chicken welfare and environmental sustainability (20 min)
Exhibition Setup - Arrange the space for the exhibition, organizing stations for interactive workshops and ensuring all materials are ready for demonstration (25 min)
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Chickens and Conservation Day Exhibition - Host the exhibition, leading workshops on chicken care, waste management, and demonstrating composting techniques to engage the audience (45 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed and revised chicken coop blueprints
2. Constructed 3D coop models 3. Presentations for 'Chickens and Conservation Day' 4. Interactive workshops on chicken care and waste management |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather recycled materials for final 3D model construction
2. Prepare presentation materials and visual aids, such as posters and handouts 3. Coordinate with local urban farmers or chicken keepers for their participation 4. Arrange the venue for 'Chickens and Conservation Day' and ensure all necessary equipment is available 5. Gather materials for interactive workshops, including compost demonstration supplies and genetic prediction tools |
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