The purpose of this learning experience is to engage students in a hands-on, interdisciplinary project that integrates STEM, mathematics, and English to design a sustainable chicken coop. Through this project, students will explore real-world applications of scientific and technological principles, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and foster a deeper understanding of environmental sustainability. By collaborating with a local egg farmer and utilizing digital tools like Tinkercad, students will create a practical solution that balances ecological impact with humane treatment of chickens, while also enhancing their communication skills through presentations.
Learning goals
Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by designing a sustainable chicken coop that minimizes environmental impact while ensuring humane conditions for chickens. They will enhance their mathematical skills through precise measurement and calculation of coop dimensions, applying these skills in real-world contexts. Learners will strengthen their communication abilities by presenting their design process and sustainability features to peers and community partners. By collaborating with a local egg farmer, students will gain practical insights into organic egg production and apply this knowledge to improve their designs. Through the use of Tinkercad, students will create detailed 3D models, integrating technology into their learning process.
Standards
[Next Generation Science Standards] 6-8.AF.7.5 - Evaluate competing design solutions based on jointly developed and agreed-upon design criteria.
[Next Generation Science Standards] MS-LS2-5 - Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.
[National Council for the Social Studies] D4.3.6-8 - Present adaptations of arguments and explanations on topics of interest to others to reach audiences and venues outside the classroom using print and oral technologies (e.g., posters, essays, letters, debates, speeches, reports, and maps) and digital technologies (e.g., Internet, social media, and digital documentary).
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 collaboratively design and construct a sustainable chicken coop using recycled and repurposed materials. Throughout the project, they will develop detailed plans and create digital 3D models using TinkerCad to visualize their designs. The final product will be a functional chicken coop that meets the criteria for sustainability and humane living conditions for chickens, accompanied by a presentation showcasing the design process and its environmental impact. Additionally, students will present their findings and reflections, demonstrating their understanding of sustainable practices and effective communication skills.
Launch
Kick off the learning experience by inviting a local egg farmer to visit the classroom and share insights on organic egg production and humane chicken rearing practices. Students will engage in a Q&A session with the farmer to gather firsthand knowledge and inspiration for their chicken coop design. Following the visit, students will brainstorm and discuss the essential elements required for a sustainable and humane chicken coop, setting the stage for their project work.
Exhibition
Students will present their chicken coop designs in a community exhibition, showcasing their 3D models created on Tinkercad and the small-scale prototypes. They will prepare speeches to explain the sustainability and humane features of their designs, integrating insights from their collaboration with the local egg farmer. The exhibition will include interactive stations where visitors can learn about the students' research on renewable resources and the mathematical problem-solving involved in the project. Feedback slips will be provided to attendees to encourage constructive critique and reflection on the students' work.
