Sample Themed Project

Incorporating STEM connections

Big Ideas
!!Projects should solve problems or challenges !!Projects should emphasize Career Connections !!Projects should include Interdisciplinary Connections !!Projects should address real life issues

STEM is about using science, technology, and math to engineer solutions to real-world problems!!!

Project IdeasFifth Grade Science (Unit 4- Exploring Ecosystems)

Driving Question
" ! How do we make a positive

human impact on our environment?

Project Summary
Students will use a photo essay to identify the problem (students choose problem that impacts environment negatively i.e. trash) and then research to find out why the problem exists and what others around the world are doing to solve it. Students read a variety of print and digital resources to expand their understanding of the problem, its impact, and what is already being done to address the problem. They create an action a plan that will include a physical model of their product/process/prototype that helps the environment and reduces, reuses refuse, and/or recycles trash (or other problem). Examples: milk jug flower pot, orange juice carton wallet, recycled plastic container bird houses/feeders, recycled art sculptures, and old jeans grocery bags, recycled materials clothing. Students will share their solution and what they have learned with their class and school peers and local community as appropriate.

Real-World Problem
________ (Trash) is a negative humancreated problem that is _________ (polluting) our environment. What can you as a fifth grader do to solve or improve this problem (amount of trash in the environment)and have a positive impact on the environment?

Career Connections
" ! " ! " ! " ! " ! " ! " ! " ! " !

Chemist Recycling Artists Engineers- Civil, Mechanical and Chemical Environmental Impact Specialists Community Outreach Specialists Waste Management Environmental Scientists Oceanographers Statisticians

Interdisciplinary Connections
" ! " ! " ! " ! " ! " ! " !

Science- (see Unit Scope and Sequence) Technology- Research, Resources, Product (Photo Essay) Engineering Cycle: Research (Ask and Observe), Brainstorm Ideas (Imagine), Design (Plan), Construct (Create), Build (Create), Test and Modify (Improve) Math- Measurement, Graphing ELA- Writing to persuade others to execute action plan (PSA, Report, Play, etc. ) Social Studies- Geography, Cultures Fine Arts- Aesthetic appeal, Materials for construction, Creative design, (form vs. function)

Resources
For more STEM-themed support go to:

http://mdk12.org/instruction/curriculum/STEM