Amanda Solarsh & Gina Tesoriero Session #2198 Amanda Solarsh & Gina Tesoriero This presentation and other resources can be found at STEMeducators.weebly.com GINA Simon Baruch Middle School New York City Department of Education Grades 6-8

Build a Structure Challenge In 7 minutes, build a structure with the materials provided.

Testing our Structure Now we can see which structures will hold the weight of 100 pennies!

How would this challenge rate?

Our Concerns Classroom Size Teaching 4 different classes with 120 students! Teaching our new elective course where we only see students once a week Managing building and testing within 45 minute periods Materials!!! Cost? Storage? Holding students accountable during group work Assessment Amanda- Intro with how PDs present design challenges but do not give you suggestions on how to successfully implement it in your classroom

Presentation Overview Finding the balance 5 Elements of Structuring Design Challenges Review Structuring Design Teacher Toolkit Group Practice Structuring Design GINA Start This presentation and other resources can be found at STEMeducators.weebly.com

Finding the balance open ended structured Gina challenges that promote divergent solutions Supports classroom success

Inquiry vs. Structure Continuum Open-Ended, Inquiry, Student led Design Teacher Guided/Structured Design Gina

Five Elements of Structuring Design Real World Prompt Material Management Time Management Groupwork Accountability Promoting Collaboration

Element #1: Real World Prompt Promotes student buy in Integrates STEM subjects Allows students to develops solutions to real world problems which promotes critical thinking skills Real World Prompt

Real World Prompt Organizer

Example: Hurricane Shelter Design Project Problem Statement: You are a team of structural engineers hired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Mission: Create and test a model Hurricane Emergency Shelter that people can store in their homes or be built quickly by FEMA. Real World Prompt

Criteria & Constraints Real World Connections Set parameters for students Student Developed Teacher Directed Real World Prompt

Element #2: Materials Concerns: Storage Space Controlling materials Finding/Buying materials on limited budgets Finding time to organize materials Material Management

Getting Supplies Aluminum Foil Cardboard (corrugate and/or flat) Dollar Store! Recycling! Household supplies! Aluminum Foil Cardboard (corrugate and/or flat) Plastic Straws Popsicle Sticks Wax Paper Saran Wrap Balloons Toothpicks Packing Tape Glue Water bottles Material Management

Get creative with storage Lots of labeled bins or cardboard boxes Use all available space Material Management

Controlling Materials Material Management

Element #3: Time Management Time constraints for design in the classroom: Short class periods May not see classes everyday Teach a variety of classes of different sizes and abilities Time Management

Time management for short class periods Have students work in groups Create a design packet that breaks up the project into different steps or sections Each step is  about 1-2 class periods Steps can included: Identifying Criteria and Constraints Evaluating and Selecting Materials Individual/Group Brain Storm Testing Rebuild/ Reflections Time Management

Design Project Packet Time Management

Element #4 Group Accountability Keeping all students on task Assessment Graded as individual vs. group Groupwork Accountability

Holding all students accountable Establish Groupwork Norms and Expectations Provide both individual and group assessment Groupwork Accountability

Keeping All Students on Task Groupwork Accountability

Structure vs. Inquiry Continuum Depending on students’ ability and levels, can take away some structure to leave it more open ended. Ex. Students determine criteria and constraints Students bring in materials Gina Promoting Collaboration

Structuring Your Own Design Challenge! Select a Prompt Card. Discuss with group how to structure prompt into a manageable design challenge. Use Structure vs. Inquiry Organizer.