Students will meet each other and myself in our virtual classroom to learn about how toys are actually used in space!  We will start by introducing ourselves and welcoming newcomers.  Then we will have a short beginning introduction with Q&A to assess prior knowledge.  Then I will introduce a new toy each week, along with a project-based learning activity in which students will prototype their own space toys.  Students are also welcome to bring any space toys they might have to show and share with the class! 

During our project, we will be using Design Thinking steps.  I will assist the students to break down and analyze the discussion topics so that they thoroughly understand the history, physics and math components behind everything that we are doing. Then I'll take questions and encourage discussion among the students as well. We also will incorporate many reflection opportunities to personalize and individualize our learning.  

Week One: Fast prototyping. This week, participants will learn about how to use low-technology (cardboard, paper, straws, plastic) to prototype their first space toys: tops. With their first artifact, we will apply learning to understand how direction, motion and friction works. We will see how tops are the guiding elements of all space travel and how they exist inside the ISS.

Week Two: Space. This week is about prototyping aircrafts using low-technology. We will focus combine the knowledge from the first week related to motion. Students will prototype various paper aircrafts and use the scientific method to hypothesize, test, and make alterations to their flight patterns. 

Week Three: Navigation in space. During this week participants will learn about space and the International Space Station. They will prototype a rocket and the rocket base. We will test launching and return and the main challenge is to have the rocket returning to the same spot from where it was launched.

Week Four: Prototyping your spaceship. This week is all about prototyping and combining the knowledge from the past weeks. Participants will have the opportunity to prototype their spaceship and creativity is the main element during this final week.


I am so excited to have you in my class. You will be using all your previous knowledge in your prototypes and I am looking forward to learning from you as well!