STEM Challenge - Project: Save the Oceans - Design a Device to Clean the Oceans

Engage your students with this week-long STEM challenge.

The Challenge:

The numbers are staggering: There are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the

ocean. Of that mass, 269,000 tons float on the surface, while some four billion plastic

microfibers per square kilometer litter the deep sea. How can we begin to solve this

problem without harming the marine life in the process? You are an engineer who also

happens to have a love for marine biology. You're ready to take on the challenge of

this massive problem. In order to move forward with this project, you have decided to

build a prototype of a machine or device that can help solve the ocean trash problems.

Are you going to focus on the surface trash or the trash that is found deep within our

oceans? How is your solution going to impact marine life in a non-invasive way? How

can you scale your solution to have the greatest impact around the globe? Good luck.

The entire planet is counting on you!

What's Included

• The 21st-century problem includes a video challenge which outlines the activity in a fun and easy to understand way.

• The slideshow presentation (PPT and Keynote) allows the teacher to facilitate the pacing throughout the project.

• The teacher lesson plans include TEKS and NGSS standards alignment, and step-by-step directions on what the teacher and students should be doing along the way.

• The student notebook will guide the student through the activity. The questions will challenge students to learn new information, reflect on learned information, and provide the students a framework for the entire project.

• Each lesson is written using the Launch process. Students are going to be brainstorming with their peers and reflecting on failures and opportunities. At the end of each project, we’ve asked the students to share their ideas with the world. This holds students accountable. They will put forth the best effort knowing other students could critique the project.

What Supplies Do I Need?

Each product contains a list of suggested supplies for the project. We were very cautious about choosing inexpensive items. This project has a suggested supply list that includes: Cardboard, Glue, Toilet paper/paper towel tubes, Pipe cleaners, Scissors, Paper, Tape, Plastic garbage bags, Plastic baggies, Coffee filters, Funnels, Paperclips, Rubber bands, Toothpicks

The supply list is dynamic and can be adjusted to your situation.

NGSS and TEKS Standards

Aside from the engineering components of this project, students will be learning about how simple machines (specifically, pulleys) make work easier.

NGSS: MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3, MS-ETS1-4, MS-ESS3-3, HS-ESS3-4

TEKS: 8.11D

Other STEM Challenges

Project: Rocket Launch - Create Rocket That is Ready for Launch

Project: Birdman - Design a Bird Beak for a Feeding Frenzy

Project: Electric - Design a System to Harness Wave Energy

Project: Hurricane Defender - Build a Hurricane Proof House

Project: Inhabit Mars - Build a Landing Device for Mars

Project: Lunar Base - Design a Lunar Colony

Project: Move - Design a Pulley System To Move a Heavy Load

Project: Save the Oceans - Design a Device to Clean the Oceans

Project: Skydive - Design a Parachute For Your New Business

Project: Thrills - Design A Fast and Furious Roller Coaster

Project: Wind and Sky - Create a 21st Century Turbine

Project: Explore Mars - Create a Space Probe for a MARS Mission

Save $$$

STEM Challenge Bundle 20% off

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