Authentic Lessons for 21st Century Learning

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Bradly Cusack

LEARN Author

K20 Center

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Recent Publications

In this activity, students construct original structures using provided materials. They will plan, create a prototype, test, and refine designs to meet criteria such as stability, height, or aesthetics, emphasizing creative problem-solving and collaboration. Read more »

Educator Resource

Tag Target Audience

  • Teachers

Tag Calendar Placement

  • Any time of year

User Group Group Size

  • Medium Group (at least 10)

Tag Intention Or Purpose

  • Critical Thinking

Tag Related

  • Informative Writing
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Time Frame 250 minutes

In this activity, students design and build a wind turbine model to generate energy. They will test different blade designs, angles, and materials, refining prototypes through iteration and learning to apply scientific principles to engineering challenges. Read more »

Educator Resource

Tag Calendar Placement

  • Any time of year
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Time Frame 250 minutes

In this activity, students will create a short commercial showcasing a STEM invention or solution. They will collaborate on planning, storyboarding, producing, and revising their videos, learning to communicate scientific and engineering ideas effectively. Read more »

Educator Resource

Tag Target Audience

  • Teachers

Tag Calendar Placement

  • Any time of year

User Group Group Size

  • Medium Group (at least 10)

Tag Intention Or Purpose

  • Critical Thinking

Tag Related

  • Informative Writing
More
Time Frame 250 minutes

In this activity, students design and test a model high-speed train or track system. They will investigate speed, stability, and efficiency while applying the engineering design process to improve their prototypes through iteration and testing. Read more »

Educator Resource

Tag Target Audience

  • Teachers

Tag Calendar Placement

  • Any time of year

User Group Group Size

  • Medium Group (at least 10)

Tag Intention Or Purpose

  • Critical Thinking
More
Time Frame 250 minutes

In this activity, students design and build small vehicles (Pot-Kin Cars) powered by gravity or other forces. They will create a prototype, test, and refine their designs while exploring principles of motion, friction, and engineering iteration. Read more »

Educator Resource

Tag Target Audience

  • Teachers

Tag Calendar Placement

  • Any time of year

User Group Group Size

  • Medium Group (at least 10)

Tag Intention Or Purpose

  • Critical Thinking
More
Time Frame 250 minutes

In this activity, students design and construct a working kaleidoscope using mirrors and reflective materials. They will iterate their designs to enhance visual effects, learning the importance of careful planning, testing, and collaboration. Read more »

Educator Resource

Tag Target Audience

  • Teachers

Tag Calendar Placement

  • Any time of year

User Group Group Size

  • Medium Group (at least 10)

Tag Intention Or Purpose

  • Critical Thinking

Tag Family Engagement

  • Supporting Student Success
More
Time Frame 250 minutes

In this activity, students select a real-world problem, research solutions, calculate parameters, build a model, and test it. They will iterate their designs while reflecting on the effectiveness of their approach and the importance of data-driven decisions. Read more »

Educator Resource

Tag Target Audience

  • Teachers

Tag Calendar Placement

  • Any time of year

User Group Group Size

  • Medium Group (at least 10)

Tag Intention Or Purpose

  • Critical Thinking

Tag Family Engagement

  • Supporting Student Success
More
Time Frame 250 minutes

In this activity, students design and construct a protective container to prevent a raw egg from breaking when dropped from a height. They will apply the engineering design process to brainstorm, to create a prototype, to test, and to refine their designs, emphasizing iteration, problem-solving, and... Read more »

Educator Resource

Tag Calendar Placement

  • Any time of year
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Time Frame 250 minutes

In this activity, students investigate the principles of force and motion using probes and sensors. They will design experiments, collect data, and refine their approaches, integrating engineering problem-solving with scientific inquiry. Read more »

Educator Resource

Tag Calendar Placement

  • Any time of year
More
Time Frame 250 minutes

In this activity, students construct a building model capable of withstanding simulated environmental stress (like wind or weight). They will apply the engineering design process to explore materials, improve stability, and reflect on design choices. Read more »

Educator Resource

Tag Target Audience

  • Teachers

Tag Calendar Placement

  • Any time of year

User Group Group Size

  • Medium Group (at least 10)

Tag Family Engagement

  • Supporting Student Success

Tag Related

  • STEAM
More
Time Frame 250 minutes