1. FUTURA: STRUCTURES
Warm Up

2. STRAW TOWER ACTIVITY
A tower may be defined as an exceptionally tall building, or an exceptionally tall structure used for some functional purpose.
In the past, towers were usually used to house bells (bell towers), for observation (watch towers), or for signaling (light houses).

3. Notable towers and other examples:
Tower of Pisa
Eiffel Towers
The Twin Towers
Radar Towers
Transmission Line Towers
Radio and TV broadcasting type

4. Your group task:
The objective of this project is to design the tallest tower possible using ordinary drinking straws as the basic building material.
The tower must meet the construction requirements.
After completion of all the towers, each will be required to move their tower to the judging area

5. Process: You will be in table groups as teams.
You will have 20 minutes total to construct your tower.
No restrictions on height, depth, width, or shape.
Must be FREE STANDING!
Tower must be able to be moved to the judging area.
Tower must be able to stand by itself for one minute.

6. TALLEST STRUCTURE WINS!

7. Journal Expectations
Glue the “Self Evaluation Questions” to the inside cover
Date on top right side of each journal page
Always put a title for each journal entry
Always write neatly and clearly
Please use all pages in sequential order
Please use your journal for educational purposes only (no doodling… or else)
Keep the cover clean and neat, do not color

8. Group Evaluation Questions
Verbally discuss with your group.  
1. What did you like and dislike about your design?
2. What was the biggest challenge you faced? How did you overcome it?
3. If you had an opportunity to redesign your structure, what would you change?

9. Self Evaluation Questions
Analysis – Write answers in your journal.
1.How did you feel while doing this activity? Did you ever want to give up?
2.How similar is your product to others in the room?
3.If you could add something to this activity, what would it be and why?
4. What was your contribution to the group?

10. BrainPOP | Seven Wonders
FUTURA: STRUCTURES
Seven Wonders Unit
BrainPOP | Seven Wonders

12. Seven Wonders Unit Planning
Directions: Your group will choose a “Wonder” to research. On presentation day your group will communicate information through PowerPoint and/or a poster as well as prepared notes. Other special effects and props are welcome. Your group’s presentation should take between minutes.

13. Seven Wonders Unit Rubric
RATINGS 1 2 3 4 5 6
Researching
Given the opportunity, the student does not demonstrate the skill
Locates and utilizes some sources to research topic with significant guidance
Locates and utilizes some sources to research topic with guidance
Locates and utilizes some sources to research topic independently
Locates and utilizes multiple sources to research the topic independently
Locates and utilizes multiple sources to thoroughly research the topic independently
Explaining Connections
Attempts to use Essential Understandings to explain connections with significant guidance
Attempts to use Essential Understandings to explain some connections with guidance
Uses some Essential Understandings to explain connections independently
Uses Essential Understandings to explain connections independently
Uses Essential Understandings to explain in depth connections independently
Managing Time
Given the opportunity, the student does not demonstrate this skill
Uses extended period of time for completion of work with significant guidance
Able to complete work in an appropriate time period with guidance
Able to manage time wisely and complete some work in an appropriate time period
Able to manage time wisely and complete most work in an appropriate time period
Able to manage time wisely using self pacing and completes all work in an appropriate time period
Communication
Has difficulty expressing thoughts clearly
Expresses some thoughts clearly with guidance
Expresses some thoughts clearly
Expresses most thoughts clearly
Expresses all thoughts with clarity and depth

14. Center Training Complete Level 1 Activity Complete Level 2 Activity
Complete Reflection Assessment
Conference with Teacher
Browse Center Crates
Complete Center Selection
Final Center Selection with Teacher

15. Agenda Seven Wonders – further research, use Research Log
Renzulli – check your inbox for a question from your teacher that requires a response and have fun exploring
Next Week: binder, agenda, any extra research (cite sources)