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4th Grade  Project 5 weeks

Inventors Next Door: Community Creations Challenge

BRETT C
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.7
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.4.1
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.5
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.3
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.9
+ 11 more
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Purpose

You will look at problems inventors solve. You will see how their ideas help people. You will compare two sources. You will explain how an invention developed. You will find a need in your local community. You will design an invention for that need. You will share your idea. You will use feedback. You will revise your work.

Learning goals

You can explain problems inventors solve.
You can explain how their ideas help people.
You can design an invention that meets a need in your community.
You can research one inventor using two sources.
A source is a place you get information.
You can use organized notes and a source list.
You can explain text organization, events, causes, and story details across formats.
You can discuss ideas.
You can use feedback.
You can revise your work.
You can edit your work.
You can present one typed page.

Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.7 - Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.4.1 - Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 4 topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.5 - Describe the overall structure (e.g., chronology, comparison, cause/effect, problem/solution) of events, ideas, concepts, or information in a text or part of a text.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.3 - Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific information in the text.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.9 - Integrate information from two texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the subject knowledgeably.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.5 - With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.7 - Make connections between the text of a story or drama and a visual or oral presentation of the text, identifying where each version reflects specific descriptions and directions in the text.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.6 - With some guidance and support from adults, use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of one page in a single sitting.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.8 - Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; take notes and categorize information, and provide a list of sources.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.3 - Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character's thoughts, words, or actions).
Competencies
  • 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.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • 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

Create research notes and a source list using two texts about one inventor. Make a cause-and-effect map. That shows what happened and why. Show how the invention helped people. Interview a community member. Then write a clear local need statement. Create a labeled model and digital report. Show how they meet that need. Give and receive peer feedback. Then revise and present both final products.

Launch

Explore a mystery invention used in your local community.
Notice its parts, then write the problem you think it solves.
Compare your idea with a partner and build on their thinking.
Choose one local need and sketch an invention that could help.
Share your sketch and ask, “How would this idea help people?”

Exhibition

Create a community invention showcase for families, local helpers, and classmates. Display your prototype. A prototype is your first model. Display your inventor report, source list, and problem-solution diagram. A diagram is a picture that shows information. Explain what problems inventors solve. Explain how their ideas help people. Show how your invention meets a local need. A need is something people need or want. Then answer audience questions. Use audience feedback to name one next change. Feedback means advice from other people. Celebrate your progress.