NGSS Standards: / Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions. (Grades 6 - 8)
Media Links: /
  • Simulated Asteroid Strike (52 seconds); high-speed footage shows small metallic ball bearing fired into sand and ice at 3 mps; see
  • Asteroid Impact Simulation by Miracle Planet (10 minutes)

Engage:
Opening Activity Access Prior Learning Stimulate Interest Generate Questions / Optional Activities:
Show video or simulation of asteroid impacts
Conduct a classroom demothat simulates the destruction caused by an asteroid impact. Drop a golf ball into a bucket of flour.
Explore:
Students must observe
Students must share out
Then repeat / Divide the class into teams of three or four.
Assign students to team with team roles: ie: discussion leader, timekeeper for questions, recorder, etc.
Allow groups to form team names.
Each student will cloze read the president’s memo to the class.
Hand out the worksheet, Alabraska General Map, and Alabraska Geology Map to each student.
Explain:
Concepts Explained and Vocabulary Defined / Set and allotted amount of time and allow students to use documents to answer What’s the Problem? Worksheet in their groups
In groups have students generate a list of design constraints that are given or implied in the President’s Memo, worksheet responses, and maps. Bring the class back together and record what the groups found. As a class see if anything else needs to be added.
Elaborate: Applications and Extensions / Students will record their findings on a poster to present
Evaluate:
Formative Monitoring (Questioning Discussion)
Summative Assessment (Quiz, Project, Report) / N/A

6th Grade NGSS

Safety, Procedures, and Tools

Lesson 1a: What’s the Problem?

Anticipated Pacing: 3 days

Materials Required for This Lesson/Activity
Quantity / Description
Class set / Copies of What’s the Problem? Worksheet
Class set / Copies of President’s Memo
Group set / Copies of Alabraska General Map
Group set / Copies of Alabraska Geology Map