Introduction
You will discover information about penguins that will help you create an energy efficient structure that will comfortably house 12 Emperor Penguins and keep them healthy.
The emperor penguin is the largest of 17 species of penguin at 1.15 m (45 in.) tall.
It is also the only animal to inhabit the open ice of Antarctica during the winter. Emperor penguins are truly amazing birds. They not only survive the Antarctic winter, but they are capable of breeding during the worst weather conditions on earth.
Have you ever wondered how they survive from the cold?
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You will also learn about conduction and insulation in order to keep the temperature of the penguins just right!
Watch any videos and feel free to take notes or use your planning sheet if any ideas spark!
Good luck 5th grade Engineers! The penguins lives' are in your hands!
Task
Click on the links below to read about Emperor Penguins:
Penguins in Captivity: What do they need to survive and thrive?
NatGeo: 10 Facts About Emperor Penguins
Click on the links to learn about how heat (energy) transfers:
Read about heat conductors and insulators.
Play a game to discover what materials BEST keep things cool or warm. Science Kids
Discover good examples of conductors and insulators.
Watch a video on what material is the best conductor.
Watch a video on what material is the best insulator.
Process
- Use the Engineering Design Process to solve the problem.
- Take into consideration the design constraints.
- Work cooperatively with your group members and share facts and ideas.
- Use the student planning and reflection sheet and record as you go. Use this sheet to help you create a Flipgrid video to share your design.
- Comment on at least ONE other classmate's design and provide specific feedback for improvements.
- Reflect on your own groups' design, listen to each other's ideas, and build at least two prototypes taking into account feedback from your peers.
Evaluation
Rubric for analyzing student success:
|
Criteria |
Exceeds (3) |
Meets (2) |
Needs Improvement (1) |
Total (15) |
|
Define the Problem
|
The student clearly defines the problem and can explain the importance of finding a solution. |
The student defines the problem but may not explain why it is important to find a solution. |
The student is unable to define the problem and/or does not explain the importance of finding a solution. |
|
|
Brainstorm/Plan
|
The student contributes to group discussion and produces a sketch or design plan for the group to use. |
The student somewhat contributes to group discussion and/or somewhat produces a sketch or design. |
The student is unable to contribute to the group discussion and/or is unable to produce a sketch or design. |
|
|
Construct
|
The student fully particpates in building and testing the design. |
The student somewhat particpates in building and testing the design. |
The student is unable to successfully participate in the building and testing of the design. |
|
|
Reflect
|
The student clearly demonstrates thoughtful reflection of the design after testing of what went well and what needs to change. |
The student demonstrates some reflection of the design after testing of what went well and what needs to change. |
The student us unable to demonstrates thoughtful reflection of the design after testing of what went well and what needs to change. |
|
|
Improve |
The student suggests at least 2 improvements to the design plan using Flipgrid and creates a 2nd or 3rd prototype. |
The student suggests only 1 improvement to the design plan using Flipgrid and creates a 2nd prototype. |
The student is unable to suggest any improvements to the design plan and does not create a 2nd prototype. |
|
Conclusion
Successfully design, create, and improve an energy efficient structure that 12 penguins can comfortably survive in.
Are you done early? (Extend!)
- What other constraints could you think of to challenge your design? Example: Cost and availability of materials OR a larger number of penguins in the structure OR a different location in the U.S.
- Research about what humans could do to reduce effects of global warming and help save, preserve, and protect species like the Emperor Penguins. Create a Prezi presentation with facts and ideas.
- Create your own Webquest using createwebquest.com or Adobe spark to take classmates through a "lesson" about the negative impacts humans have on our environment. What can humans do to reduce these negative impacts? Use at least 2 videos and 3 websites.
Credits
Emperor Penguin Websites:
https://www.penguins-world.com/penguins-in-captivity/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/e/emperor-penguin/
https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/animals/birds/emperor-penguins/
Conductors & Insulators Websites:
http://www.lovemyscience.com/heatconductorsandinsulators.html
https://eschooltoday.com/science/electricity/insulators-and-conductors-of-electricity.html
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/gamesactivities/keepingwarm.html
https://www.teachengineering.org/activities/view/the_best_insulator