iBlock Objective:

Getting a class pet is an exciting event for students! In this iBlock, students will learn about different class pets, then choose a robot to represent a particular pet. They will also propose a good classroom home for it and design a presentation to convince the class to vote for their idea. If students are convincing, their pet might even be selected!

An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Develop questions and participate in shared research and explorations to answer questions and to build knowledge. (NYS Next Generation ELA Standards, 2W6)

iBlock Objective:

When we think about trucks, we often think of fire trucks or pickup trucks, but there are so many other trucks to explore! In this iBlock, students will learn about different types of trucks as well as their unique functions. Students will research the specific uses for each truck and the impact that these trucks may have on a community. After the research process, students will choose a type of truck to design and utilize STEM and/or consumable materials to assemble the truck and have it perform the intended tasks. To make their truck roadworthy, students should work with peers, repair the truck as needed, and design a presentation to show off their auto creations!

Focus of the iBlock:

An iBlock provides a cross-curricular, holistic learning approach by structuring your learning content with a primary and secondary subject focus (see this in action below). But because iBlocks are also customizable and expandable, these foci can change to suit your school’s needs, should you choose to tailor your iBlock.

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Develop a simple model based on evidence to represent a proposed object or tool. (K-2-ETS1-2.)

iBlock Objective:

Even at a young age, it’s necessary that children understand different types of weather and how to be prepared for them. In this iBlock, students will research what should be included in a rescue kit for different types of extreme weather. Then they’ll create model rescue kits, develop and test kit delivery, and present a weather report to show off their creations.

An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Some kinds of severe weather are more likely than others in a given region. Weather scientists forecast severe weather so that the communities can prepare for and respond to these events. (K-2-ESS3-2)

iBlock Objective:

Animals of all sorts are an exciting topic for young students, especially animals as impressive as dinosaurs! In this iBlock, students will embark on a journey to discover unknown facts and features about different types of dinosaurs. They will learn about different dinosaurs and their features, and from there, design their own dinosaur and the habitat it would call home. To guide their design, students will research several dinosaur species and determine the features for their own species. Once they have decided upon the features, they will move on to the design of their dinosaur’s habitat. For both tasks, students will be challenged to add creativity through different artistic elements.

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Ask questions based on observations to find more information about the natural and/or designed world(s). Define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool. [K-2-ETS1-1]