“Inspiring Inventions!” (Design)
This lesson falls into the second nine weeks of school, after the study of Westward Expansion. This design project will lead to a new unit that focuses on the Industrial Revolution.
Collaborating in small groups, students will research an inventor from the 1800’s using text features. They will decide on one invention to design from that inventor. Students will create a 2D and/or 3D design of that invention, practice, and present their designs during a Wax Museum morning at school for teachers and parents.
Lesson Created By: HeatherPence
Lesson Partners: ABC (Arts in Basic Curriculum)
Essential Question
How can we use our design skills to show that the Industrial Revolution was furthered by new inventions and technologies?
Grade(s):
- 5
Subject(s):
Recommended Technology:
-Smart Board
-iPads
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
- 2D Design Board and 3D model examples from previous school year
- Display board (Tri-fold displays; one per group)
-Markers
-Construction paper
-Glue
-Craft tape
-Index cards
-Cardstock
-Scissors
-Other materials borrowed from the visual art classroom
Lesson Progression
Description of Instruction for the Lesson
- Research Inventor/Invention to gather information for design project.
- Whole group discussion of 2D Design Board and 3D model examples from previous school year
- Small group Design Vision Board planning session
- Design Station group work
- Teacher “check-in” through Google Classroom and group conferences
- Small group and whole class reflection of day’s design work
The teacher will:
- After the research is complete, begin the design process.
- Guide small groups in a brief discussion of what inventor their group has previously chosen and the invention that they will be focusing on for this design project.
- Lead the class in a whole group discussion of 2D Invention Design Board and 3D invention model examples from the previous school year.
- Review the criteria for this design project
- Guide students through the creation of a Design Vision Board (thinking: how can we best organize and share this invention with others, how can it be both functional and aesthetically pleasing?)
- Monitor Design Station group work. (After the Design Vision Board is completed, students will begin their 2D and/or 3D models of their chosen invention).
- Offer a teacher “check-in” through Google Classroom and small group conferences
- Lead small groups and the whole class in reflections of the day’s design work through exit slips and discussion.
The students will:
- Discuss with their small group what inventor and invention their group has previously chosen to focus on for their design project.
- Participate in a whole class discussion of 2D Invention Design Board and 3D invention model examples from the previous school year.
- Collaborate in a small group planning session with others to create a Design Vision Board of the 2D or 3D invention design.
- Use the provided materials to begin creating the 2D or 3D invention design with group members.
- Check in with the teacher to show progress through Google Classroom or small group conference.
- Participate in a small group and whole class reflection of the day’s design work.
Teacher Notes
Research takes 2-3 days. Give the students the rubroc before they begin research to ensure all information is covered. Design project should not begin until research is complete.
Standards
- 5-3 The student will demonstrate an understanding of major domestic and foreign developments that contributed to the United States becoming a world power.
- De.CR Creating - I can conceive and develop new design ideas and work.
- Grade 3: Speak clearly at an understandable pace, adapting speech to a variety of contexts and tasks; use standard English when indicated or appropriate.
- C Communication
- Grade 1: Orally produce single-syllable words by blending sounds including consonant blends in spoken words.
- RI.MC Meaning and Context
Assessments
All components of Design Board/3D model included:
- Inventor’s name and background
- Invention name and description
- When it was invented
- Why it was invented
- What purpose did/does invention serve
- Importance of invention today.
- Three or more text features are included in the Design Board
- Design Board/3D model includes both aesthetic and functional qualities (well organized, labeled, limited grammatical errors, neat, and eye-catching).
- Three or more text features are included in the Design Board
*Note: If a group decides to only create a 3D model of their invention, all information about that invention will be turned in on a separate document.