On Target Challenge

1) NASA/Design Squad Lesson Plan

2) PBS Kids Build Site

3) TED-Ed Lesson

Estimated cost:

$0.10

per student

Photo cred: PBS Kids

Required materials:

zip line (wire or fishing line), index card, marbles, masking tape, paper clips, paper cups, scissors, a Target (can be drawn on a piece of paper)

Description:

This activity turns a paper cup into something that can zip down a line and drop a marble onto a target. Just as the success of NASA's LCROSS (Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite) depends on hitting the crater exactly, success in this activity depends on being able to hit the target accurately and consistently. As students test their designs, encourage them to find ways to make it work better.

Tips:

A few of the items needed for this activity are reusable or can be replaced by classroom or household items you already have, saving you even more money!

NGSS Alignment:

2. Developing and using models  3. Planning and carrying out investigations 

The Marshmallow Challenge

1) LESSON PLAN BY TOM WUJEC

2) LESSON PLAN BY AC Lane

3) TED-Ed LESSON 1

4) TED-Ed LESSON 2 (WITH TIMER)

ESTIMATED COST = 

$0.07

per student

Photo cred: MarshmallowChallenge.com

Required materials:

spaghetti, string, marshmallow, masking tape, paper lunch bag (optional)

Description:

The Marshmallow Challenge is a remarkably fun and instructive design exercise that encourages teams to experience simple but profound lessons in collaboration, innovation and creativity. The task is simple: in eighteen minutes, teams must build the tallest free-standing structure out of 20 sticks of spaghetti, one yard of tape, one yard of string and one marshmallow. The marshmallow needs to be on top. (http://marshmallowchallenge.com/)

NGSS Alignment:

1. Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)  6. Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)