Take Action Project: Making a Prototype
Summary:
Students will learn how to create a prototype that solves a problem. Students meet Taylor Moreland, who developed a prototype to help his son with mobility issues, and learn three strategies for creating a prototype: the importance of a concept sketch, the design process, and user testing. Students then identify a problem they would like to solve and build their prototype! They will then prepare how to share their prototype and user test their models to reflect on how to iterate and improve their first version.
Final Project
Build a prototype of an invention that solves a problem.
Connections to Other Resources
This take action project is used in the Power of Play full project.
Overview & Materials
Subject: ELA, science
Grade: 3-5
Student Handouts: (Download)
Materials Needed:
- A variety of materials will be needed but may include:
- Scissors
- Tape
- String
- Markers
- Cardboard
- Paper
- Glue
- Stapler
Project Materials
Aligned Standards
Common Core Reading (CCSS):
- CCRA.R.5: Analyze the structure of texts, including how specific sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the text (e.g., a section, chapter, scene, or stanza) relate to each other and the whole.
- CCRA.R.6: Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.
- CCRA.W.1: Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
- CCRA.W.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
- CCRA.W.5: Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
- CCRA.W.6: Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.
Science Standards:
3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem that can be solved through the development of an object, tool, process, or system and includes several criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.
3-5-ETS1-3: Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.
National Arts Standards:
- Anchor Standard #1. Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
- Anchor Standard #2. Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
- Anchor Standard #3. Refine and complete artistic work.
- Anchor Standard #4. Select, analyze and interpret artistic work for presentation.
- Anchor Standard #5. Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
- Anchor Standard #6. Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
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