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This Reach for the Skies lesson plan also includes:
- Grade K Lesson: Reach for the Skies (.html)
- Activity
- Vocabulary
- Worksheet
- Graphic & Image
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Scholars view the film Reach for the Skies to learn about the Shangai Tower. Following a discussion and observation of premade shapes, pairs design and construct a tower using uncooked pasta, straws, newspaper, tape, and marshmallows. The challenge is to make a tall tower that can withstand strong winds. Learners face this challenge by blowing on their tower and then discuss their findings with the class.
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Concepts
Instructional Ideas
- Place copies of the My Tall Tower Plan worksheet inside plastic paper protectors; direct pairs to draw using dry-erase markers for easy erasing and redesigning if needed
- Celebrate the successful completion of the activity with clean, untouched marshmallows for a snack
- Gather a collection of picture books that showcase tall towers; display them and allow pupils to browse them when time permits
Classroom Considerations
- The lesson may be broken into smaller parts
- Read the Teacher Notes section for preparation tips and requirements
- Graphics look best printed in color; otherwise, mirror the image from your computer to the television or SMART board
Pros
- The plan notes how long each section takes to complete
- Includes an extension portion to take the learning further
- Encourages the teacher to ask guiding questions to lead participants to a solution without offering the solution directly
Cons
- None