Title: Mouse Maze
Problem: Our pet mouse Ninja needs some outside
stimulation!
Importance: High to students (low to anyone else)
Students involved (number, grade level, etc.): 25
fourth graders
The math (math standards): Through building,
drawing, and analyzing students deepen their understanding of properties of
objects and the use of them to solve problems (3)
The science (skills or concepts): Students will develop an understanding of the
processes of science used to investigate problems, design and conduct
repeatable scientific investigations, and defend scientific arguments (A1)
The engineering: Science and engineering (building)
affect the world in many ways (Engineering is Elementary Tie-in)
The technology: Use communications technology to
exchange ideas and information (D2)
How it will be shared/communicated with the rest of
us (PowerPoint, Prezi, Video, other): I plan on taking pictures as students
work, as well as video of our pet mouse going through the mazes. At the end of the unit, students can use the
pictures and video to create a PowerPoint presentation
I like your idea! I think that your students will really enjoy and learn from it!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like fun, Nicole. Perhaps you could have your students calculate the longest and shortest route through the maze, and predict which path the mouse will take. Then, of course, they can test their hypothesis!
ReplyDeleteFor the engineering side, perhaps they could design a system to encourage the mouse to travel a particular route (say the longest or the shortest route). The system could be a set of rewards along the way (food), lighting, or soemthing esle they come up with through brainstorming. You've got a lot of students, they may come up with some great ideas! Then, they could test their solution with Ninja. Engineering design does not always have to be a structure, design of systems is important as well.
These are just suggestions - I am excited to see how the project goes for you and your students.
Thank you for all of your great ideas, Lori! I will try to incorporate them as I plan and carry out my unit
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