Description
The teaching unit took place in a Third-Grade class with varied academic abilities, including two English language learners. The unit combines science and engineering, first through a series of mini-lessons on forces and interactions. The culminating project included applying science knowledge acquired to an engineering design. Wooden-block cars were built and tested. After data collection, students gathered in āengineering teamsā to discuss what they learned. The summative assessment was for each student to ādesignā their own car within the constraints of the project.Ā Students kept science journals where they recorded predictions and drew diagrams. Literature activities were folded into the lesson overview, including opinion writing, group reading and numerous discussions and demonstrations about forces of motion.