Maker Challenges

In January my 3-5th grade will begin Maker Challenges during Media for 6 weeks. Because my kids often need directions to start, rather than dream it up on their own, I have created a few challenges to pick from as well as open challenges for them to create something on their own.  For each challenge I created, I found a youtube video showing examples and sometimes how it can be made. Here is the Resources page.

 

Here is the directions form from my Problem Solving Unit Google site.

Maker Challenge

Directions

 

1. Select your group of 2-3 people. You may work alone if you feel it is needed.

2. Select a team name. Come up with norms for how your team will work.

Norms are how you will work, how you will make decisions, how you will speak to each other.

3. Decide on specialties

• photographer: takes pictures all along during the Challenge

• materials: gathers the materials and ensures everything is neat and in order

• communications: makes sure all notes are complete and that Mrs. P is informed

4. Select a Maker Challenge (remember your norms!)

5. Use the design thinking model below to begin and continue your process.

 

Step 1     Step 2         Step 3       Step 4 Step 5

Imagine         Plan                 Create                    Test                 Adjust

                                                 

                                                  Test and adjust repeats as necessary.

 

Use your thinking form while you do the steps above.

 

Challenge Timeline

week 1: form teams, select name, create norms, view the model challenge

 

week 2: select challenge, begin design process, submit materials request

HW: research using the resources page

 

week 3: begin build, test, adjust, reflect

HW: research and adjust plans

 

week 4: continue build, test, adjust, reflect, complete build

HW: complete reflection form on Edmodo

 

week 5: create presentation, load presentation to Edmodo

HW: invite parents to Maker Museum

 

week 6: Maker Museum and share

Below is the thinking form I created for the unit.

MakerChallengethinkingform

Here are the maker challenges I made for my students to select from: maker challenges

I can’t wait to see what happens! Thanks to T.E.R.R.A. for the amazing grant to purchase materials, like sewing machines, recyclable jewelry kit, robots, glitter, glue, googly eyes and more!