Bridging Literacy and the Engineering Design Process (EDP)

Summary: Use the engineering design process (EDP) to create a prototype of a device that can prevent squirrels from accessing a bird feeder.

Materials: List of Materials
EDP process handout

Book and/or video (Those Darn Squirrels by Adam Rubin)

Each group will need access to building materials
*Materials can be changed based at the teacher’s discretion. Teachers, ensure materials are safe and do not pose a risk or harm to the child. Supervise student use of scissors and any item that may cause harm if mishandled. Provide goggels if needed.

Bubble wrap
Foil sheets
Tape
Cardboard box pieces (variety of sizes)
Egg crate pieces (section off the pieces of an egg crate)
Straws
string/yarn
Foam pieces
Ruber band
Popsicle sticks
Chop sticks
Sand paper
ruler


EDP Worksheet

Agenda: Introduction (10 minutes)
Review the EDP.
Read the book (5 minutes) Give overview of the story Those Darn Squirrels. Inform students we will read the book some, stop for and activity, then continue reading the book after the activity.
Read/watch the book, stopping before the initial stages of the character’s structure is shown (video: stop at 2:15)
Break students into groups of 5.
Group work
Cycle 1- Create the protoype (40 minutes)
Complete EDP Process Worksheet (10 minutes)
Create Prototype (20 minutes)
Share prototype with class (5 minutes)
assessment and feedback (5 minutes)
Cycle 2- Improve the prorotype (25 minutes)
Review and update EDP Process Worksheet (10 minutes)
Improve Prototype (if possible) ( 5 minutes)
Share prototype with group and rational for any changes (5 minutes)
assessment and feedback (5 minutes)
Reflection - finish reading/watching the book; whole class discussion (20 minutes)