Whats the Matter?

A WebQuest for 2nd Grade (Structures and Properties of Matter)

Designed by
Angela Hubbard

ahub1972@gmail.com

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Page

Introduction
The class will learn about Matter, the three states (e.g. solid, liquid, gas). Next, they will
use Legos to build something that incorporates one of these three states, which also
illustrates the idea that matter can be torn apart and then rebuilt into a different item.
While collaborating in small groups to decide what to build, they will also write about the
experience, which re-enforces what they have previously learned (e.g. punctuation,
capitalization, and sequencing). They will share both elements in a video to the class.
The assessment of the project will include a rubric for the overall project, which also
includes a rubric for the written segment.
Minecrafts Steve has a twin brother named Mike. He is an engineer on Matter World and
has a very serious problem. He doesnt know what to make. He needs your help! As
amateur engineers, you will build something to share with Mike and explain how your
creation would be helpful to him in Matter World.

The Task
You have agreed to help Mike. Unfortunately, he has a limited supply of materials. He

has given you a package consisting of all the materials available to him on his world.
Your job is to work in a group of three amateur engineers and come up with one big
project, or three different projects that work together. For example, it may be one big
bridge to help cross an ocean, or an airplane with an airport, and a take-off/ landing
strip. After you have completed your project/s, your team will compose a short paper
demonstrating sequencing (as discussed in class using a beginning, middle and end) and
then make a video that will be shared in class (and Mike).

The Process
1. First you'll be assigned to a team of 3 amateur engineers. There will have to be
chief engineer, a writer, and a director for the video.
2. Once you have picked a role to play, participate in the Smartboard activity about
the states of matter.
http://express.smarttech.com/?url=http://exchangedownloads.smarttech.com/public/content/15/15e79f4a0236-4328-86a5-cb48bdc7cc61/What%27s%20the%20Matter.notebook#
3.

Now learn what engineers do and how matter can be taken apart and put back
together again. Also, for those that are not familiar with the game, video three is
an example of what Minecraft (and Matter World) would look like.
Video 1Video 2Video 3-

4. Now that you know what engineers do, and have researched matter, use what you
have learned to decide, as a team, what you will build. As stated above, you can
make one big item, combining all three team members materials, or you can each
build something that works together. The item can be something that incorporates
just solids (e.g. a building), a liquid (e.g. a fountain, a car that would run on
gasoline), or a gas (e.g. a hot air balloon) *NOTE- The item can be something
that everyone has heard of or it can be completely made up. It is up to
you as a team.
5. Once your projects are made, it is time to write your paper. You must explain the
item/s made, who made them and how it will be useful to Mike. Please, use your

notes that we made in class (e.g. capitals, punctuation, and showing a beginning,
middle, and end). Here is an example of what I am looking for with a rubric,
along with some guides on the techniques of writing. *NOTE- The paper can be
written or typed on WORD (just remember to save it). This paper will be
used as a guide for the video.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6UiqwRFuQTmWEw1dkgtTURsMGc/view
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhJJMn4yTho
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScEzddqgbfk
6. Now its time to make the video. The director will lead the team in making sure
that everyone gets to participate in the video.
http://exchange.smarttech.com/details?id=26ff2610-3d97-45e0-824b-23b01482dc00

Evaluation
Describe to the learners how their performance will be evaluated. Specify whether there
will be a common grade for group work vs. individual grades.

Beginning

Developing

Accomplished

(0-36pts)

(37-78pts)

(79-120pts)

Student did not

Cooperation as a
work in the
team. Were projects group or go
built as instructed
along with the
(e.g. that it was one
theme of the
project or three
project.
projects that
connected filling in
the solid, liquid, or
gas category.)

( 0-6pts)

(0-24pts)
Score from written
rubric. The score will
be the same for all

Student did
work with the
group, but did
not go along
with the theme
of the project.
(7-13pts)

(25-52)

Exemplary

(121-150pts) 150pts

Student worked
Student worked
well with the
with the group
group and
and went along
cooperated with
with the theme.
the theme of
However, the
the project,
project was not
completing it
completed.
on time.
(14-20pts)
(53-80pts)

Score

(21-25pts)
(81-100pts)

three students in the

group.

Cooperation as a
team and the
completion of the
video including the
whole group.

Student did not

cooperate with
the group and
did not
participate in
the video.
( 0-6pts)

Student
Student
cooperated with
cooperated with the group and
the group but participated in
did not
the video, but
participate in
could not
the video.
understand or
hear.
(7-13pts)
(14-20pts)

Student
cooperated with
the group and
participated in
the video.
Audience could
hear and
understand.

(21-25pts)

Conclusion
Congratulations! You have completed your first project as amateur engineers. Not only
have you designed a model that Mike can use on his planet, but you were also able to
work as a team and demonstrate the usefulness of your project using both the
techniques of writing and technology!

Credits & References

MITK12 Videos (Producer). (2013, November 3). Science, Engineering, and Design! [Video 1] What are
Engineering & Science? Podcast retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3Z2DZIUT2U
MITK12 Videos (Producer). (2013, November 22). Science, Engineering, and Design! [Video 2] Engineering
& Design Process. Podcast retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Dp2qHz8r2U
Kingzy, Frane (Producer). (2015, March 7). Minecraft 80 Building Ideas [Video 2] Podcast retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xl2iBl7nHE8
The Electric Company (producer). (uploaded 2010, January 6). LL Cool J-Punctuation Music Video
Podcast retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhJJMn4yTho
Welch, Lily (Producer). (2014, October 2). Mints to Capitalization Podcast retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhJJMn4yTho

Pen1276 (submitted). Whats the Matter? [Smart Board]. Retrieved from Smart Board Exchange Web Site
http://express.smarttech.com/?url=http://exchangedownloads.smarttech.com/public/content/15/15e79f4a-02364328-86a5-cb48bdc7cc61/What%27s%20the%20Matter.notebook#
Muskett, R. Create a 3-D Animated Video on a Smartboard in 5 minutes [pdf]. Retrieved from
http://exchange.smarttech.com/details?id=26ff2610-3d97-45e0-824b-23b01482dc00
Last updated on Sept. 9, 2015. Based on a template from The WebQuest Page