This exciting project spanned over two weeks during our enrichment time and allowed us to practice skills and apply concepts from so many different areas including: economic scarcity, supply and demand, renewable and nonrenewable resources, sources of energy, internet discussion etiquette, cause and effect, referencing sources, pros and cons, drawing conclusions, defending an opinion, problem-solving, persistence, percents, subtraction across zeros, and forces. Although we spent a considerable amount of time, we were able to experience the real-life application of so many different third grade skills.
This is exactly why we STEM-Infuse!
This project began with the students viewing a couple of different videos on Blackboard that provided background knowledge for the project.
We then engaged in a digital discussion on TitanPad. Although we were able to practice "netiquette" during this part of the activity, this website was frustrating for the students. (It's a great EdTech resources, just a little difficult to manipulate on the iPad.) After several attempts to make it work, we ended up doing a verbal discussion as well. Next time, we will probably use a Blackboard discussion board instead.
Next, we moved into research on the Alaskan Pipeline. The kiddos read a book that helped them look at various viewpoints on the pipeline. They discovered all of the different uses for oil and our dependance on those products, the amount of oil that we use verses the amount we consume as a nation, the economic effects of buying oil from other countries, and the environmental risks of engineering and maintaining the Alaskan Pipeline.
After reading this book, the students created a Popplet describing the pros and cons and drawing their own conclusions about the Alaskan Pipeline.
After reading this book, the students created a Popplet describing the pros and cons and drawing their own conclusions about the Alaskan Pipeline.
After that, the students "placed themselves on the
Here's where they placed themselves:
(pipe)line." They had to decide on a scale of 1-10 where they would be on the continuum from pipeline supporter to environmental advocate if they had been around during the 1970s when the pipeline was first being debated. Here's where they placed themselves:
In a surprising turn of events, I then partnered the students up with one or two people who took opposite view points.
Their STEM challenge would be to create a pipeline out of straws, cardboard tubes, cups, duct tape, and masking tape. 100 ml of "oil" (actually water) had to travel 1 meter from one cup to the other.
The organic conversations about the application of math concepts- subtraction across zeros and percents- were some of my favorite parts of this project!
Having group members with differing opinions about the pipeline proved helpful during the challenge. Some students were motivated to keep their oil from leaking because it would harm the environment. Others didn't want to lose money by leaking oil. However, they quickly found that even though their motives were different, their goal was the same-- to get all 100ml from one "port" to the other!
The students did a fantastic job of creating, testing, and then making smart and intentional redesigns. For example, this group decided to design a double pipeline in order to take some water pressure off the joints in their line. What a great idea!
As you might expect, we did not get 100% of our "oil" from one port to the other. There was always a small amount (or in some cases a fairly large amount) lost along the way. However, every group showed persistence in continuously improving their design throughout the week with thoughtful, intentional, and logical adjustments.
I am so proud of my eclectic mix of little environmentalists, politicians, economists, and engineers, who work together, respect one another, and accomplish above and beyond what is expected from third grade students!
I am so proud of my eclectic mix of little environmentalists, politicians, economists, and engineers, who work together, respect one another, and accomplish above and beyond what is expected from third grade students!