5th, 6th Grades
Project
5 weeks
Science on the Upside: Novel Discovery
1-pager
Purpose
This project aims to deepen students' understanding of natural disasters and their impact on communities and the earth, while fostering skills in engineering, collaboration, and critical thinking. Through hands-on activities and real-world simulations, students will explore disaster preparedness and response strategies, gaining insights from local experts and community partners. The project will culminate in students designing and presenting disaster-resistant infrastructure models and relief plans, integrating scientific principles and community feedback to create meaningful solutions.
Learning goals
Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of natural disasters, their impact on Earth's systems, and community resilience strategies. They will apply scientific and engineering principles to design disaster-resistant infrastructure and relief plans, integrating feedback from peers and community partners. Through collaboration and reflection, students will enhance their problem-solving, communication, and self-directed learning skills, while fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility within their community.
Standards
- [Next Generation Science Standards] ESS.1.A - The Universe and Its Stars
- [Next Generation Science Standards] 5-ESS3-1 - Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth's resources and environment.
- [Next Generation Science Standards] MS-ESS2-2 - Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth's surface at varying time and spatial scales.
- [Next Generation Science Standards] MS-ESS2-4 - Develop a model to describe the cycling of water through Earth's systems driven by energy from the sun and the force of gravity.
- [Next Generation Science Standards] MS-ESS2-5 - Collect data to provide evidence for how the motions and complex interactions of air masses results in changes in weather conditions.
- [Next Generation Science Standards] MS-ESS3-1 - Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how the uneven distributions of Earth's mineral, energy, and groundwater resources are the result of past and current geoscience processes.
- [Next Generation Science Standards] MS-ESS3-2 - Analyze and interpret data on natural hazards to forecast future catastrophic events and inform the development of technologies to mitigate their effects.
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.
- Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
- Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
- Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
Products
Throughout the project, students will collaboratively design and construct scale models of disaster-resistant homes using sustainable materials, applying engineering principles to withstand specific natural disasters. They will also create multimedia presentations to explain their design choices and the scientific concepts behind their models. By the end of the project, students will develop comprehensive disaster relief plans, incorporating feedback from community partners, and present these plans at a Disaster Preparedness Expo.
Launch
Kick off the project with a dynamic 'Disaster Simulation Day' where students engage in role-playing exercises that mimic real-life emergency situations. Guided by local emergency management professionals, this immersive experience will help students understand the importance of preparedness and effective communication. This launch activity sets the stage for the project by allowing students to experience firsthand the challenges and urgency of disaster response, sparking curiosity and motivation for the weeks ahead.
Exhibition
Students will host a 'Disaster Preparedness Expo' where they present their scale models of disaster-resistant homes and comprehensive relief plans to community members and local experts. Interactive stations will allow guests to engage with the projects, learning about engineering principles and disaster response strategies. The expo will feature student-led workshops and demonstrations, inviting local emergency management agencies to provide real-world insights and feedback.
Plan
| Week 1 |
Day 1
|
Day 2
|
Day 3
|
Day 4
|
Day 5
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Project Launch: Disaster Simulation Day - Engage in interactive role-playing exercises simulating emergency situations, guided by local emergency management professionals, to understand the importance of preparedness and communication. (45 min)
|
Introduction to Natural Disasters - Explore different types of natural disasters and their impact on Earth's systems through multimedia presentations and collaborative research. (20 min)
Community Impact Analysis - Research and discuss how recent natural disasters have affected local communities, connecting science ideas to real-world scenarios. (25 min)
|
Understanding Geoscience Processes - Investigate how geoscience processes have changed Earth's surface, integrating evidence from historical events and scientific explanations. (25 min)
Mapping Disaster Zones - Collaboratively create maps highlighting areas prone to natural disasters, analyzing geological and weather data. (20 min)
|
Engineering Design Challenge: Disaster-Resistant Structures - Begin designing models of disaster-resistant homes using sustainable materials, applying engineering principles. (30 min)
Peer Feedback Session - Exchange design ideas with classmates and provide constructive feedback to refine models. (15 min)
|
Reflection Circle - Share personal insights and emotional responses to the week's activities, fostering a supportive environment for socio-emotional growth. (20 min)
Model Presentation Prep - Prepare to present initial disaster-resistant structure designs and receive feedback from peers and community partners. (25 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Participation in Disaster Simulation Day role-playing exercises.
2. Completion of collaborative research on historical natural disasters, documented in research notes. 3. Understanding of weather patterns and forecasting, demonstrated through participation in meteorologist-led workshops. 4. Initial designs and sketches for disaster-resistant structure models. 5. Reflection notes and insights shared during the Reflection Circle. |
||||
| Preparation |
1. Coordinate with local emergency management professionals for Disaster Simulation Day.
2. Gather resources and materials for students to research historical natural disasters. 3. Schedule workshops with local meteorologists on weather patterns and forecasting. 4. Prepare materials for engineering design challenges, including sustainable building materials for model construction. 5. Organize Reflection Circle, ensuring a supportive environment for sharing and discussion. |
||||
| Week 2 |
Day 6
|
Day 7
|
Day 8
|
Day 9
|
Day 10
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Natural Disaster Case Studies - In groups, students will research and present on a historical natural disaster, focusing on its impact on Earth's systems and communities. (20 min)
|
Introduction to Geoscience Processes - Students will engage in a hands-on activity to simulate geoscience processes such as erosion and deposition, and discuss how these processes have transformed Earth's surface over time. (30 min)
Reflection Circle - Students share their thoughts on how understanding geoscience processes can aid in predicting and preparing for natural disasters. (15 min)
|
Weather Patterns and Air Masses - Students work with a local meteorologist to learn about weather patterns and the movement of air masses, collecting data to understand weather changes. (25 min)
Developing a Model - Students begin developing models to describe the cycling of water through Earth's systems, considering energy from the sun and gravity. (20 min)
|
Disaster-Resistant Design Challenge - Teams will start designing disaster-resistant structures, using engineering principles learned through prior activities. They will sketch initial designs and list materials needed. (30 min)
Peer Feedback Session - Students present their initial designs to peers for feedback, encouraging collaborative refinement and critical thinking. (15 min)
|
Feedback Fridays - Students present their ongoing projects, including disaster-resistant designs and research findings, to peers and community partners for feedback. (30 min)
Weekly Reflection Circle - Students reflect on the feedback received, challenges faced, and insights gained throughout the week, setting goals for the next week. (15 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Initial scale models of disaster-resistant homes, incorporating engineering principles and sustainable materials.
2. Collaborative research reports on historical natural disasters and their impacts, integrating social studies and science insights. 3. Refined disaster relief plans based on peer feedback, demonstrating critical thinking and collaborative refinement. 4. Demonstrated effective communication and problem-solving skills through role-play scenarios, with reflections on learning. 5. Workshop insights on weather patterns and forecasting, recorded in science journals for application in future activities. |
||||
| Preparation |
1. Gather sustainable materials for model construction such as recycled cardboard, plastic, and wood.
2. Compile a list of historical natural disasters with resources for research, including articles, videos, and firsthand accounts. 3. Create peer review guidelines and feedback forms to structure the critique and revision process. 4. Organize role-playing scripts and scenarios for emergency response practice sessions. 5. Coordinate with local meteorologists to schedule and prepare for the workshop on weather patterns. |
||||
| Week 3 |
Day 11
|
Day 12
|
Day 13
|
Day 14
|
Day 15
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Model Construction: Disaster-Resistant Homes - Continue building models using sustainable materials, incorporating peer feedback and engineering principles. (30 min)
Peer Review: Design Evaluation - Exchange models with classmates for detailed evaluation and constructive feedback on design effectiveness. (15 min)
|
Exploring Weather Patterns - Analyze data with local meteorologists to understand weather patterns and the impact on disaster preparedness. (25 min)
Weather Data Interpretation Workshop - Participate in a workshop led by meteorologists to learn how to interpret weather data and forecast potential disasters. (20 min)
|
Historical Natural Disasters Investigation - Research historical disasters and their community impacts, using digital resources and primary documents. (25 min)
Collaborative Discussion: Disaster Mitigation - Engage in a group discussion on how communities have historically mitigated disasters, using research findings. (20 min)
|
Hands-On Engineering Challenge - Work in teams to solve engineering challenges focused on disaster resistance, applying scientific principles. (30 min)
Reflection and Feedback Session - Reflect on engineering solutions and receive feedback from peers to improve designs and problem-solving skills. (15 min)
|
Reflection Circle - Share insights from the week's activities and discuss personal growth in understanding disaster preparedness and response. (20 min)
Presentation Prep: Disaster Relief Plans - Prepare presentations for upcoming 'Disaster Preparedness Expo,' integrating feedback and refining plans. (25 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Comprehensive research report on the selected natural disaster, including its historical impact and response strategies.
2. Initial drafts of scale models of disaster-resistant homes, incorporating feedback from peers. 3. Peer feedback forms completed by students, highlighting areas for improvement in design and construction. |
||||
| Preparation |
1. Gather multimedia resources on historical natural disasters for student research.
2. Prepare construction materials for scale models, such as cardboard, popsicle sticks, clay, and recycled materials. 3. Set up peer review templates for students to provide structured feedback on each other's work. 4. Coordinate with local community partners to provide expert insights during peer review sessions. |
||||
| Week 4 |
Day 16
|
Day 17
|
Day 18
|
Day 19
|
Day 20
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Final Design Refinement - Students make final adjustments to their disaster-resistant home models, incorporating all feedback received from peers and community partners. (20 min)
Multimedia Presentation Development - Begin crafting multimedia presentations to explain design choices, engineering principles, and scientific concepts behind their models. (25 min)
|
Collaborative Disaster Relief Planning - In groups, students finalize their comprehensive disaster relief plans, integrating scientific concepts and community feedback. (25 min)
Peer Review: Presentation Practice - Students practice their multimedia presentations with classmates, receiving constructive feedback to enhance clarity and engagement. (20 min)
|
Workshop with Local Meteorologists - Students participate in a session with meteorologists to apply weather data interpretation skills to their relief plans, ensuring accuracy and relevance. (25 min)
Peer Critique Session - Exchange disaster relief plans with peers for critical review, focusing on innovative solutions and scientific rationale. (20 min)
|
Expo Preparation: Model and Presentation Finalization - Students make final refinements to their models and presentations, ensuring readiness for the 'Disaster Preparedness Expo.' (30 min)
Reflection and Goal Setting - Reflect on the learning journey so far and set personal goals for the expo, focusing on effective communication and presentation skills. (15 min)
|
Feedback Fridays: Expo Rehearsal - Conduct a full rehearsal of the 'Disaster Preparedness Expo' presentations and model displays, receiving feedback from peers and community partners. (30 min)
Weekly Reflection Circle - Discuss insights gained from feedback and personal growth during the rehearsal, setting intentions for the final expo presentation. (15 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Updated disaster-resistant infrastructure models incorporating expert and peer feedback.
2. Refined disaster relief plans with documented peer feedback and revisions. 3. Draft multimedia presentation scripts and visual aids ready for final editing. 4. Comprehensive self-reflections documenting personal learning journeys and growth throughout the week. 5. Feedback summary reports from 'Feedback Friday' to guide final adjustments in the models and plans. |
||||
| Preparation |
1. Coordinate with local engineers to schedule the workshop and gather resources for model refinement.
2. Prepare guidelines and criteria for peer review sessions to ensure constructive and focused feedback. 3. Arrange the necessary multimedia equipment and software for presentation preparation, including cameras, projectors, and editing software. 4. Invite community partners to participate in 'Feedback Friday' and prepare a rubric for structured feedback. 5. Set up a comfortable and welcoming environment for the 'Reflection Circle' to encourage open and honest discussions. |
||||
| Week 5 |
Day 21
|
Day 22
|
Day 23
|
Day 24
|
Day 25
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Final Model Construction - Complete the construction of disaster-resistant home models, applying all learned concepts and peer feedback to ensure structural integrity and sustainability. (30 min)
Peer Review and Feedback - Conduct a detailed peer review session where students exchange final models and provide constructive feedback, focusing on design effectiveness and engineering principles. (15 min)
|
Multimedia Presentation Development - Start creating multimedia presentations to showcase disaster-resistant models and design choices, ensuring alignment with scientific principles and engineering standards. (25 min)
Community Partner Feedback Session - Engage with community partners to receive expert feedback on models and plans, integrating insights into final presentations. (20 min)
|
Disaster Relief Plan Finalization - Refine and finalize comprehensive disaster relief plans, incorporating peer and community feedback to optimize strategies for community resilience. (30 min)
Presentation Rehearsal - Practice presenting disaster relief plans and infrastructure models, focusing on effective communication and clear articulation of scientific concepts. (15 min)
|
Exhibition Preparation - Set up interactive stations and prepare materials for the 'Disaster Preparedness Expo,' ensuring readiness for community engagement and expert evaluation. (25 min)
Reflective Discussion - Participate in a reflective discussion on the project's impact, personal growth, and future applications of learned skills in community resilience efforts. (20 min)
|
Disaster Preparedness Expo - Present disaster-resistant models and comprehensive relief plans at the expo, engaging with community members and local experts through interactive demonstrations and workshops. (45 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Completed scale models of disaster-resistant homes using sustainable materials.
2. Multimedia presentations explaining engineering principles and design choices implemented in the models. 3. Comprehensive disaster relief plans incorporating peer and community feedback. 4. Reflection and self-assessment reports detailing personal insights and learning from the project. 5. Feedback summaries from community partners and local experts received during the expo and showcase. |
||||
| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for constructing scale models of disaster-resistant homes, such as sustainable building materials and tools.
2. Arrange multimedia equipment for students to create presentations, including computers, projectors, and speakers. 3. Schedule community partners and local experts for participation in the 'Disaster Preparedness Expo' and feedback sessions. 4. Prepare evaluation rubrics for peer review sessions and 'Feedback Friday' presentations. 5. Organize logistics for the expo, including venue setup, signage, and interactive stations. 6. Coordinate transportation and permissions for community partners and experts attending the showcase event. |
||||