All grades  Project 1 week

Float Your Boat: Recycled Raft Challenge!

Audrey M
K-2.AF.6.2
2-PS1-3
3-5.AF.2.5
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
1-pager

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage students in a hands-on exploration of buoyancy and material properties through designing and constructing a floating raft. By utilizing recycled materials, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they test, critique, and revise their designs. This project fosters self-directed learning and academic mindset by encouraging students to reflect on their progress and collaborate with peers. Through this experiential learning process, students will gain a deeper understanding of scientific principles while building a sense of identity and belonging within their learning community.

Learning goals

Students will explore the principles of buoyancy and material properties by designing and constructing a floating craft using recycled materials. They will engage in collaborative problem-solving, testing, and iterative design processes to refine their creations, developing critical thinking skills. Throughout the project, students will reflect on their learning journey, gaining insights into their self-directed learning capabilities and fostering a sense of belonging and identity within a supportive learning community.
Standards
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] K-2.AF.6.2 - Use tools and/or materials to design and/or build a device that solves a specific problem or a solution to a specific problem.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] 2-PS1-3 - Make observations to construct an evidence-based account of how an object made of a small set of pieces can be disassembled and made into a new object.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] 3-5.AF.2.5 - Develop a diagram or simple physical prototype to convey a proposed object, tool, or process.
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.

Products

Students will design and construct a small raft using recycled materials that can float and support a specific weight, such as a small toy or a set of coins. Throughout the project, they will create diagrams and prototypes to convey their proposed designs, documenting their iterative process of testing and refining their rafts. By the end of the project, students will have a completed raft that demonstrates their understanding of buoyancy and material properties, along with a personal reflection on their learning journey.

Launch

Kick off the learning experience with a 'Material Hunt Challenge' where students explore their environment to collect various recyclable materials. After gathering the materials, students will share their findings and brainstorm potential uses for their raft designs. Encourage them to sketch initial ideas and plan their construction process, setting the stage for collaborative and creative problem-solving.

Exhibition

Students will take their completed rafts home to share with their families, explaining the design process and the scientific principles they explored. Encourage students to demonstrate the floating capability of their rafts in a safe water setting, such as a bathtub or a basin. To extend the exhibition, students can create a short video or photo presentation documenting their project journey, which can be shared with peers and family members. This home exhibition fosters communication skills and allows students to articulate their learning experiences and discoveries.