Unit Overview
Students read a story about a stranded young boy and the challenges he faces to stay alive on a deserted island. The STEM engineering explorations selected help students think through problems, design solutions, and test their ideas. How can you design devices to stay afloat in water and to obtain and cook food. These are practical problems that require special engineering talents!
Materials
All the materials in this unit can be obtained locally.
STEM Content
Science Content: Buoyancy, density, and forces are science concepts discussed in the first two explorations.
Technology: Using materials at hand and makeshift tools helps focus on practical technology and how to solve problems with primitive tools.
Engineering: This unit has multiple opportunities to follow engineering design standards.
Literacy: Students are able to read an entire book and make connections to STEM concepts. Students can also keep a journal of their own "stranded at home" experiences as Michael did while he was on Peggy Sue.
Assessments
Assessment of student progress in this unit depends on the nature of goals and objectives set. Given below are suggestions for assessing students for any work in this unit:
STEM Habits of Mind and Engineering Standards: One characteristic of STEM professional is a series of habits of the mind. Is the student asking questions? Reading about the topic? Following directions? Using tools and materials carefully? Trying different combinations of materials? Recording observations and actions properly? Working with others collaboratively? Teacher/Parent observation and feedback can work to hone these skills. See: https://sites.google.com/a/eou.edu/ventures/how-engineers-think. and a scoring guide at: https://sites.google.com/a/eou.edu/ventures/templates/scoring-guide-step-1-template