Curated OER
The Day The Earth Shook
Pupils explore structural engineering through three design challenges. They examine information about some architectural features that work and those that don't during an earthquake. Students build and test their structure and record...
Curated OER
Design and Construct a Road Sign Support
Young scholars use simple materials to design, build and test a model of a free standing structure used to support overhead road signs.
Curated OER
Building a Bridge
Third graders discover architecture and functionality by constructing a bridge. In this bridge engineering lesson, 3rd graders utilize cardboard, straws, towel tubes and plastic bottles to create a model bridge similar to ones seen in...
Curated OER
The Strongest Shape
Young scholars work collaboratively to design and construct a roof out of Legos for a house that was built in a previous lesson. The roof must be structurally sound and pass certain criteria determined by the teacher.
Curated OER
Reach For The Sky
Learners consider alternative designs for a tall building and choose one of their designs to build. As a final step, they design and construct a model of a skyscraper.
Curated OER
Preparation for Engineering Careers
Students explore all the careers that deal with math, science, technology and engineering. They assess the importance of clearly explaing yourself in writing, making public presentations and utilizing technical jargon in dealing with...
Curated OER
Plants and Animals: Partners in Pollination
Learners identify the plant parts and bee structures that are involved in pollination. They simulate pollination in a group activity and process the information.
Curated OER
Toothpick Sculpture
You'll be surprized at how much engineering, design, and creativity can go into a toothpick and a marshmallow. Learners make toothpick sculptures where they construct three-dimentional models by sticking marshmallows and toothpicks...
Curated OER
Shapes that Make Structures Strong
Students construct a variety of forms, test their strength, and discuss how tension and compression are distributed by triangles, arches, and domes.
Curated OER
This Land Is Your Land, This Land Is My Land
Students review and evaluate the ways land is covered and used in their local community. They consider the environmental effects of the different types of land use. Students act as community planning engineers to determine where to place...
Curated OER
Geologic cross section of Manhattan, NYC
Students draw an accurate geologic cross section by using a given data table. They relate the features of the cross section to geologic processes. Students then relate the characteristics of the bedrock to the architecture.
Curated OER
Castles and Fortresses of the World
Students work in groups to study castlers and fortresses of the world. They study pictures and models of well known castles and fortresses. Students construct a 3-D model of a castle or fortress using materials of their choice.
Curated OER
Rise of the Modern City
Students investigate the industrial developments of the twentieth century and the development of urban environments. In this industrial art lesson, students compare and contrast graphics and analyze industrial developments on...
Curated OER
Building Straw Towers
Young scholars apply their knowledge of technology to help them build. In this science and technology lesson, students build straw towers and investigate the strength and form of the structure. They analyze the best design the make the...
Curated OER
Artist's Work/Artist's Voice: Louis I. Kahn
Learners explore the process of construction and architecture. In this construction research lesson, students complete image based discussion activities and three related activities for architecture and design.
Curated OER
Writing: Barn Raising
Young writers compare writing a paper to building a barn. They write a thesis statement using parallel construction and use transitions to hold the paper (walls of the barn) together. A barn raising video link is included; great for...
Curated OER
They're Everywhere! They're Everywhere!
Students gain an appreciation of the polygons and polyhedrons around them that make their world one of order and strength. They build polygons and polyhedrons, and then construct airplanes out of polygons.
Teach Engineering
The Fibonacci Sequence and Robots
What better way to introduce the idea of a sequence than with robots! An educational lesson explains the classic Fibonacci sequence before pupils build and program a robot to move. Additionally, the lesson challenges individuals to...
Teach Engineering
Let's Take a Spin: One-Axis Rotation
Investigate the effect of one-axis rotations on geometric figures. Scholars learn to use snap cubes and the right-hand rule to draw figures after rotations about the x-, y-, or z-axes. They try their hands at examples created by the...
Teach Engineering
Scale Model Project
Try your hand at scale models. Scholars create a scale model of an object using a scale factor of their choice. As part of the project, they give presentations on their processes and calculations. This is the last installment of the...
Teach Engineering
New Perspectives: Two-Axis Rotation
Two-axis rotations ... twice the fun as one-axis rotations! The last installment of a five-part module teaches scholars how to conduct two-axis rotations. They create isometric drawings before and after the rotations.
Smithsonian Institution
Watching Crystals Grow
Amazing science can sometimes happen right before your eyes! The class gets cozy as they watch crystals grow. They use Epsom salts, rocks, and food coloring to create crystals. They'll observe the entire process, documenting every step...
Curated OER
Egypt's Golden Empire Lesson 5
Students research and discuss the pyramids, temples and obelisk of Ancient Egypt. They work cooperatively to build a model pyramid.
Curated OER
Asia: Tradition And Culture
Students discover Sky City. In this Asian culture and traditions lesson plan, students watch "Asia: Culture and Tradition," and then discuss the practicality of building Sky City. Students visit a Discovery Education Web site to research...