The Three Little Pigs - STEAM Lesson

Day 1

• Read “Three Little Pigs” story. Any version that the teacher likes. Regardless of students’ ages it will be a fun story to read.
• Allow students to “think, pair, share” about the different types of houses and the pros and cons of each.
• Chart out the ideas as a whole group.
• Tell students that they are now going to become one of the three little pigs.
• They will conduct research on their own about the different structures discussed in the book.
  • straw, bricks and sticks
  • The teacher can also play the videos included. Both have to do with two of the materials that the students may pick from. 
• Once they decide which material they believe to be the best for creating the sturdiest structure, they will create a persuasive writing piece about why they chose that material.
  • They can include direct citations from the data gathered during research if the teacher chooses.

 
OR

• Students can create a technology presentation, poster, etc. using persuasive writing techniques
  • Ideas
    • Google Slide
    • Poster
    • PowerPoint
    • Mini-video (commercial)
      • Allow students to have creativity!!

 
Day 2

• The students will gather into groups based on what materials they chose the day before.
  • Depending on how many students are in a group for one material, the teacher may want to create two groups out of the same material.
• Students will devise a plan to create their houses based on the materials.
  •  Teachers should not give much guidance because it allows students to problem-solve.
• Give students their materials
  • Hay (straw)
  • Legos (brick)
  • Small twigs or sticks (stick)
  • Small amount of glue (All students should receive the same amount and that is all they will get)
• Allow students time to build their structures
• Test them by bringing in the “Big Bad Wolf”… (hair dryer is a great idea)

Teacher can grade persuasive writing assignment as well as the completion of the house.