Learning Goals
Students will be able to investigate friends’ needs and playground observations to define a simple problem involving moving heavy or stuck objects safely.
Students will be able to compare pushes and pulls of different strengths and directions to explain changes in an object’s speed and direction.
Students will be able to ideate and compare multiple safe playground-helper solutions to select an idea that responds to friends’ needs.
Students will be able to prototype a playground-helper device from teacher-approved materials to show how its shape and parts help move an object.
Students will be able to analyze picture-based test data about speed, direction, and smoothness to determine whether a playground-helper device works as intended.
Students will be able to refine and communicate a playground-helper design using peer feedback and test observations to make an object move more smoothly and safely.
Products
Playground Forces and Helper Design Notebook
Each student completes a teacher-scaffolded picture notebook with a user observation, push-and-pull comparisons, multiple solution ideas, a labeled prototype sketch, test-data interpretation, and a drawing or oral reflection explaining a revision.
Tested and Revised Playground Helper Device
Teams build a safe playground-helper prototype, test it with teacher-selected objects, collect peer feedback, revise it for smoother movement, and present evidence showing how pushes, pulls, shape, and parts support friends’ needs.
No rubric has been generated yet.