| Name of Activity |
Invent a Backscratcher from Everyday Materials |
| Author |
Tufts STOMP |
| Keywords |
found materials, recyclables, design, assessment |
| Subject |
Non-LEGO |
| Grade Level |
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
| Time |
1 Hour Total |
| Brief Description |
Students are given a variety of every day materials and recyclables. With these materials, students will need to create a back-scratching device. Once all the students have completed their backscratchers, they are assessed within the class. |
| Lesson Objectives: |
To learn about designing for real life problems. |
| Materials Needed: |
Tape
String
Cardboard
Paper towel rolls
Scissors
Glue
Any other materials the instructor wishes to provide. |
| Procedure |
- Prepare a table or station with the materials the students will use. Make sure that there are enough materials for the class.
- Introduce the activity and allow the students to look over the materials so that they can brainstorm.
- Pose some questions to help with brainstorming:
- What is a good design for a backscratcher?
- Which is it hard to scratch your back?
- Why is it better to use a backscratcher than use your hand?
- Have students brainstorm their idea on a sheet of paper, they must sketch their design before they are allowed to build.
- Check that designs are well thought out and not dangerous before allowing students to start their projects.
- When students have completed their backscratchers, have students lay them out on a table so that everyone in the class can see each design. Encourage student to carefully try out different designs. Remind them to be respectful of everyone’s designs.
- After everyone has had a chance to see all the designs, gather the students for a class discussion. Ask students:
- What worked best?
- What materials did you use? Which materials worked best?
- What would you do differently?
- What else could you use to build a backscratcher?
- What else could the backscratcher be used for?
- What is your favorite design and why?
- What makes the designs different from each other?
|
| Extensions: |
Students an make an advertisement for their backscratcher. |
| Reference 1 |
http://sites.tufts.edu/stompactivitydatabase/files/formidable/Backscratcher.doc |
