Critter Capture Critter Capture Project Objective Student groups

Critter Capture

Critter Capture Project • Objective: Student groups will design a way to use simple machines to solve a real-world problem. • Problems such as: • • • Squirrels chewing through the wood and nesting in their attics Wild-hogs rooting up the landscape: scale model, of course Invasive Cane Toads Spiders invading your closet Moles or gophers in the school yard Any problem you would like to present • Student groups will use the materials provided, or brought from home, to design and redesign a functioning trap to humanely capture a creature for relocation. They will be required to use simple machines in their design.

Critter Capture Rubric CATEGORY 4 Exceeds the Standard 3 Meets the Standard Product design/Plan Includes more than 3 simple machines. Includes 2 simple machines. Includes 1 simple machine. No simple machines. Functionality The trap captures the critter and all simple machines have and the simple machine has an integral purpose. The trap captures the critter. Collaboration Always cooperates, shares ideas, listens to others, compromises, and continues working to the common goal. Occasionally cooperates, shares ideas, listens to others, compromises, and continues working toward the common goal. Cooperated, shares ideas, listens to others, compromises, and continues working toward the common _____________Date: ____________ goal. Critter Capture Rubric Student Name: 2 Below the Standard 1 Below the Standard Written Description The 3 or more simple machines are identified and purpose is explained in detail. The purpose of the trap and how the trap works is discussed in detail. The 2 simple machines are identified and purpose is explained in detail. The purpose of the trap and how the trap works is discussed in detail. The 1 simple machine is identified and purpose is explained in detail. The purpose of the trap and how the trap works is discussed in detail. The no simple machines are identified. The purpose of the trap and how the trap works is not discussed. Grammar/Conventions of Writing There are no grammatical/mechanical mistakes in the written description. There are 1 -2 grammatical/mechanical mistakes in the written description. There are several grammatical/mechanical mistakes in the written description. There are many grammatical/mechanical mistakes in the written description. Presentation Very organized, clearly understood, all members equally participating. Organized, clearly understood, all members participating. Slightly organized, clearly understood, all members participating. Unorganized, unclear, not all some members participated.

Day 1 • You and your group are going to come up with a plan. • Each of you needs your own piece of paper to write down your plan. • In this plan you must include the following: • • • What problem are you trying to fix? Give me a background story! Sketch a design of your critter catcher. What is the purpose of your critter catcher? Explanation of how your critter catcher works. Identify the simple machines and each of their purposes. List of materials.

Day 2 • • • Finish plans if they are not finished. Create and test traps. Final touches on plans. Talking points for all group members. Type up plan on the netbook! (Final Copy of Plan) One person from the group can do this just make sure you are helping your group members! Your plan needs to include the following: • • • Background Story Design of Critter Capture Purpose of Critter Capture Explanation of how your critter catcher works. Identify the simple machines and each of their purposes. List of materials.

Day 3 • Presentations!