Planetopia Parcels STEM Challenge PAPERLESS VERSION

If you’re looking to apply learning in landforms, weathering & erosion, plate tectonics & more, this STEM / STEAM challenge is a perfectly engaging way to get the job done joyfully!

The basic premise: 

Students work individually or in partners/groups against a list of criteria and constraints to create the nonliving surface (geosphere & hydrosphere) of the fictional planet, Planetopia.

 

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Note: This is the paperless version, compatible with Google Slides ™. You may prefer the printable version.

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Resource includes:

• NGSS aligned standards, Grades 2 – 8

• Teacher Tips:
  • Links to my 5-part video series on getting started with STEM challenges
  • Materials and timing
  • Criteria & Constraints (including modifications to increase difficulty for older students)
  • Measuring results
  • Universal STEM Challenge Notes & How to Use Student Slides
  • Post-design extension activities list
  • Link to a video walk-through of the challenge

• Student Slides:
  • Criteria & Constraints List
  • Results and Design Analysis
  • Discussion Questions

• Extension templates
  • Planetopia Surface Features Spotlight
  • Layers of Earth
  • Layers of Earth & Earth’s Atmosphere
  • Rock Notes
  • Rock Cycle
  • Pangaea Activity
  • Process flow map
  • Create & solve math problems based on designs
  • Planetopia Landforms Writing Templates

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Sample/suggested materials for each student or group:

(Materials you’ll need to do the activity are easily modified. You don’t need to provide all of the following materials. Select a subset and/or add in your own ideas.)

• • Note: The links below are Amazon Affiliate links. Find out more on the disclosure page.
    • • Foam board for parcel base
        • ~ 12×12 in. per student
      • Construction paper
      • Pipe cleaners
      • Cardboard scraps
      • Tissue paper
      • Foil
      • Scissors
      • Glue and/or tape
      • Small rocks
      • Raffia, moss, yarn
      • Cotton
      • Design analysis handouts (included in resource)
    • Optional
      • Crayola Model Magic or clay
      • Sequins, beans, pasta, beads
      • Paint
      • Craft sticks
      • Plastic beads
      • Pom poms
      • Felt or fabric scraps
      • Sand Paper
      • Small cups and/or bowls
      • Hot glue gun
      • Rubber bands
      • Paperclips
      • Toothpicks
      • Coffee stirrers
      • Colored sand

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Benefits of this STEM Design Challenge:

• Focus on critical thinking, problem solving, and application of learning
• Helps students develop growth mindset traits like persistence and resilience
• High levels of student engagement
• The potential to hit upon all NGSS ETS standards depending on the depth and number of iterations you choose to implement in your classroom (modifications included)
• Highly flexible and differentiated for materials, timing, grade levels, and rigor.

Each design iteration should be planned for ~60 min. if you are including data gathering and analysis rather than just building for fun. If you add extension activities, you will need to adjust timing accordingly.

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This resource is also available in a print version and will soon be available in a discounted Planetopia Project bundle and digital Mega Bundle.

 

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If you prefer to purchase on TpT, click here.
Note: any coupon/promo codes for this site will only work on this site. TpT does not have the option for individual stores to offer promo codes.

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