Fifth Grade

2nd Semester

Math

3-D Shapes

BACKGROUND: We have been studying three-dimensional shapes and their properties. The three-dimensional shapes include rectangular prisms, cubes, pyramids, cylinders, and cones. Many objects in the world are based upon these shapes.

DESIGN CHALLENGE: Design and build a creature consisting of 4 different three-dimensional shapes. This creature must contain at least 2 simple machines. You must use a minimum of 7 shapes total and a maximum of 10 shapes total. One shape must be a rectangular prism or cube with a volume between 24-64 cubic inches. You will present your creature to the class.

MATERIALS:

empty tissue boxes / newspaper / egg crates
pipe cleaners / craft sticks / construction paper
glue / tape / card stock
yarn or string / brads / twist ties
rubber bands / spools / empty pringle cans
empty handi-wipes containers / paper towel and toilet paper rolls / marshmallows
toothpicks

TOOLS:

scissors / hole punch / ruler
pencil / color pencils / markers
yardstick

MATH SOL 5.10, 5.16

SCIENCE 5.1

TEACHER TIPS: Below is a website for “how-to’s” on children’s engineering:

You can add or take away materials according to your needs or available supplies. Some suggestions for substitutions are empty cylindrical food or cleaning supply containers like oatmeal containers, peanut butter containers, jelly containers, coffee containers, and Clorox wipes containers.

Make sure all containers are thoroughly cleaned and contain no sharp edges.

The design challenge was written to be a reading comprehension lesson as well. This will reinforce the skills to read to locate and highlight key information. Below is the criteria in a list format for your reference and lower ability students.

DESIGN CHALLENGE: Design and build a creature consisting of 4 different three-dimensional shapes. This creature must contain at least 2 simple machines. You must use a minimum of 7 shapes total and a maximum of 10 shapes total.

CRITERIA:

  • Your creature must have at least 2 simple machines.
  • Your creature must consist of 4 different 3D shapes.
  • One shape must be a rectangular prism or cube with a volume between 24-64 cubic inches.
  • You must use a minimum of 7 shapes and a maximum of 10 shapes total.
  • You must present your creature to the class.

3D Shapes

Criteria / Advancing Engineer / Progressing Engineer / Budding Engineer / Observer
The creature has at least 2 simple machines.
The creature consists of 4 different 3D shapes.
One shape is a rectangular prism or a cube with a volume between 24-64 cubic inches.
7-10 total shapes are used.
The quilt is made of 9 blocks that measure 8” X 8” each.
Oral Language and Social (Team) Skills
Used age appropriate language
Came up with ideas (Brainstormed)
Final Presentation
Worked well with others

Notes:

Pam Hall-Seven Pines Elementary

Amanda Brady-R.C. Longan Elementary

6/25/08