6th Grade  Lesson 85 minutes

"Blueprint Builders: Fair Society Survival Quest"

Jacqueline M
6.6E
6.7A
6.7B
6.7C
6.8A
+ 5 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to engage students in a hands-on, interdisciplinary project where they apply scientific principles to design tools that promote fairness and survival in a hypothetical collapsed society. By integrating literature, science, social studies, and math, students will collaboratively explore how to prevent unjust systems and create equitable solutions. This project fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and effective communication while allowing students to reflect on their role in building a just community.

Learning goals

Students will explore and apply scientific principles to design tools that promote fairness and survival in a post-collapse society. They will identify and explain forces acting on objects, compare different types of energy, and model energy transformations. Through collaboration, students will co-design projects, exercise decision-making, and assume leadership roles, enhancing their communication skills by presenting their findings. They will critically reflect on their learning process and personal growth, documenting their journey in a digital portfolio.
Standards
  • [Texas] 6.6E - identify the formation of a new substance by using the evidence of a possible chemical change, including production of a gas, change in thermal energy, production of a precipitate, and color change.
  • [Texas] 6.7A - identify and explain how forces act on objects, including gravity, friction, magnetism, applied forces, and normal forces, using real-world applications
  • [Texas] 6.7B - calculate the net force on an object in a horizontal or vertical direction using diagrams and determine if the forces are balanced or unbalanced
  • [Texas] 6.7C - identify simultaneous force pairs that are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction that result from the interactions between objects using Newton's Third Law of Motion.
  • [Texas] 6.8A - compare and contrast gravitational, elastic, and chemical potential energies with kinetic energy
  • [Texas] 6.8B - describe how energy is conserved through transfers and transformations in systems such as electrical circuits, food webs, amusement park rides, or photosynthesis
  • [Texas] 6.8C - explain how energy is transferred through transverse and longitudinal waves.
Competencies
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
  • 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 create a digital portfolio documenting their project journey, including personal reflections and collaborative efforts. They will design and build a physical prototype of a tool that supports fairness and survival, demonstrating scientific principles. Additionally, students will construct a pulley system to illustrate Newton's Third Law, enhancing community labor equity. These products will be showcased at a 'Survivor's Fair,' where students will present their work and engage with visitors.

Launch

Begin by showing Episode 1 of Dr. Stone to spark curiosity and set the stage for the project. Engage students in a discussion about the essential science tools needed to rebuild a fair and just society after a collapse. Encourage them to brainstorm initial ideas on how forces, energy, and chemical changes could be applied to ensure fairness and survival. Facilitate small group discussions where students share their thoughts and begin to form teams based on shared interests and ideas.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Survivor's Fair,' where they set up interactive booths to present their prototypes. Each booth will allow visitors to test and experience the tools firsthand, while students explain the scientific concepts and fairness principles behind their designs. This exhibition will foster a community dialogue on fairness and survival, encouraging visitors to engage with the students' innovative solutions and reflect on their potential impact.