Learning Goals
Students will be able to classify tested objects as sinking or floating by using observations as evidence about what happens in water.
Students will be able to analyze how changing the shape of the same safe material can change whether it sinks or floats because shape affects how the material rests in and pushes aside water.
Students will be able to specify that a successful floating carrier must stay on top of water, carry the teacher-selected weighted item, and fit within an 8.5-by-11-inch template.
Students will be able to evaluate two picture-based floating-carrier ideas by comparing their materials, shapes, sizes, and predicted ability to carry a weight.
Students will be able to optimize a floating carrier by testing it, recording picture or mark data, making at least one purposeful change, and retesting it.
Students will be able to communicate design decisions and results while listening, sharing materials, and making choices with peers.
Products
Picture Engineering Notebook and Mini Floating-Carrier Study
With adult scribing as needed, each child creates two distinct picture plans, completes a simple picture-choice comparison, builds or models a selected idea, and records predictions, test results, revisions, and an individual contribution to the team design. The notebook includes photos or drawings showing how the child's thinking and design changed over time.
Revised Weighted Floating Carrier and Float-and-Tell Evidence Gallery
Each team builds a classroom-safe carrier that fits within an 8.5-by-11-inch template, floats with the teacher-selected weighted item, and is revised at least once using picture-based test data. At the Little Boat, Big Discovery Fair, children present their plans, first and final versions, trade-offs, results, and limitations before an adult-supervised water test with families and Coast Guard visitors.
No rubric has been generated yet.