Planning Grid Planning and Executing Successful STEM Activities

Planning Grid: Planning and Executing Successful STEM Activities Name of Activity: Thanksgiving Day Parade Purpose: to explore magnetic force while attempting to move a “parade float” down a “parade route” Standard(s): 2. S. 1 B. 1 Construct devices or design solutions to solve specific problems or needs: (1) ask questions to identify problems or needs, (2) ask questions about the criteria and constraints of the devices or solutions, (3) generate and communicate ideas for possible devices or solutions, (4) build and test devices or solutions, (5) determine if the devices or solutions solved the problem, and (6) communicate the results. Teacher Students Background Information Ahead of Time Online Resources Background Information Knowledge of magnetic force – guiding students towards using like poles to “pull” float and using opposite poles to “push” float. Map out a “parade route” on floor of classroom or hallway; collect float materials; test magnets for strength – find magnets that will be strong enough for pulling or pushing the float across floor Possible STEM Careers Graphic design, chassis design, float design… Strong knowledge of magnetic force – like poles attract and opposite poles repel Online Resources Special Norms Materials Constraints ***No special norms needed for this activity. Tissue boxes Masking tape Construction paper Magnets (type determined based on strength) Markers Crayons Scissors Float must be “pulled” or “pushed” using only magnetic force; float must be decorated and say “Thanksgiving Day Parade”;