Kindergarten Grade  Project 8 weeks

Force & Fun: Toy Parade Design Challenge

Renai J
K-PS2-1
Self Directed Learning
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Purpose

In this project, kindergarten students will engage in hands-on exploration of the concepts of force, specifically focusing on push and pull, through the design and creation of toys. Over the course of eight weeks, they will conduct investigations, gather feedback, and reflect on their learning to understand how varying strengths and directions of force affect motion. This experience will culminate in a toy parade where students showcase their creations, fostering self-directed learning as they apply scientific principles in a real-world context.

Learning goals

Students will develop an understanding of force by experimenting with push and pull actions to observe their effects on toy motion. They will engage in designing and constructing a toy that demonstrates these principles, applying their knowledge through hands-on creation. Throughout the project, students will practice self-directed learning by using feedback and reflection to refine their designs, fostering both scientific inquiry and personal growth.
Standards
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] K-PS2-1 - Plan and conduct an investigation to compare the effects of different strengths or different directions of pushes and pulls on the motion of an object.
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.

Products

Throughout the project, students will create a series of toy prototypes that demonstrate varying strengths and directions of pushes and pulls. They will document their design process in a simple journal, capturing observations and reflections on how different forces affect their toys' movements. By the end of the project, each student will present a final toy design in a toy parade, showcasing their understanding of force and motion.

Launch

Begin the project with a playful exploration session where students interact with various toys that demonstrate push and pull forces, such as toy cars, spinning tops, and yo-yos. Encourage students to experiment with these toys to observe how different strengths and directions of pushes and pulls affect their movement. Facilitate a group discussion where students share their observations and ideas about how these forces work, setting the stage for designing their own toy. This hands-on experience will spark curiosity and provide a foundation for understanding the essential question.

Exhibition

At the culmination of the project, students will participate in a Toy Parade where they showcase their designed toys that utilize push and pull forces. Each student will have the opportunity to present their toy to peers, teachers, and family members, explaining the design process and the principles of force applied. This exhibition will include interactive stations where attendees can engage with the toys, offering students a chance to receive feedback and reflect on their learning journey.
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