Second Grade Monster Lobe

Second Grade Monster Lobe

 Heather Davis

Six Week STEM Project

AK Math Standards

Problem:  We will be working with the Monster Lobe that is creeping down the hill and towards the Dalton Highway.

Importance:  This is a real issue in AK, and if a solution is not found, the monster lobe will cover the Dalton Highway and then later reach the pipeline.  Unless it changes direction, which is not likely.

Students Involved: 2 students    Grade 2

 

Science:  (This is where I fall short) – the science of melting/permafrost, other aspects – the materials needed for solution

Math: all the science elements, all the engineering elements include math – cost (??)

We will for sure be using addition, measurement of lengths, hopefully working with equal groups to gain the foundation for multiplication, skip counting, estimating,

Engineering: Building something to stop/deflect the monster lobe or moving the highway and pipeline

Technology: Minecraft - as well as the elements in building their solution.

Social Studies: Where is the Monster Lobe?  What happens if a solution is not found?

Mode of Presentation:  I will share the project with EDMA693 via a video of their presentation, or a Prezi (that I put together - or I have have an older sibling put the Prezi together) containing their solution with pictures and other documentation, posted to Discussions. 

All of this would be geared down to second grade level.  They are both really good students, so could understand some concepts at a grade level above or so, but I want to see what they come up with.

Working as a pair, the two students will describe the problem and propose a solution.  They will propose it to me and their siblings.  I even think their classroom teacher would let them present in their class.  For their presentation, they can just talk and show me on Minecraft or make a poster or use some other type of presentation to demonstrate and discuss their solution.

Students will meet at my house after school every Friday and/or Saturday.  Each time, I will meet with them and see where they are and answer questions as well as pose some questions to them.  They will then be left on their own for some time to work together and come up with ideas and build.

Steps/Parts

Problem statement – showing that they understand what the problem is

Solution ideas – make a list or brainstorm ideas

Decide on solution

What materials are needed?

Rough sketch of solution

Virtual model - Minecraft

Face-to-face presentations Week of April 21 (If not before)

I may propose this to some 8^th graders as well, but since it would be an outside of school project, they might not be as excited to work on it – a project that is not an assignment L.  If they decided they did want to take it on, I would meet with them each week to see how they are doing, where they are at, give them guidance, and pose questions to get them thinking.  Help them along with the math that they may not understand but is needed.