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:

It is the not-too-distant future and humankind is getting ready to take the next great step in space exploration: a colony on Mars! Intrepid individuals with skills in various STEAM areas are called to assist in planning and building the future colony, and the most daring of them will live there as the very first Martians! In this iBlock, students will research space exploration, Mars, and survival essentials before planning for a historic trip to populate a new planet. Students will need to plan and build solutions for the essentials — habitat, transportation, communication, and more. Together, we can bring humanity to the next era of its development.

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

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions. (MS-ETS1-1)

iBlock Objective:

Millions of people around the United States take a train to work each day. Some of these commuters live a short distance from their destination, but many travel over an hour just to get to work! Can you imagine a workweek where a minimum of 2 hours each day is spent commuting? As the number of people commuting only continues to grow, innovators are continually seeking to make transportation more efficient by building faster trains that can carry more passengers. In this iBlock, students will develop an understanding of efficiency by building their own model train, capable of either going faster, or carrying more weight than their peers.

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

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balance and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object. (3-PS2-1)

iBlock Objective:

For over 100 years, amusement parks have garnered the love of many families through their incredible rides. In this iBlock, students will research various amusement park rides so that they can design and build their own dream ride. Along the way, they’ll test their design and make improvements. Finally, the students will get their creations ready for their grand debut, and even bring their rides together to create a class theme park.

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

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

A solution needs to be tested, and then modified on the basis of the test results, in order to improve it. (Next Generation Science Standards, MS-ETS1-4)

iBlock Objective:

During the Industrial Revolution, assembly lines greatly improved manufacturing efficiency and in turn, production capacity. We are now in a new age of advanced technology and once again manufacturing is changing — but this time because of robotics, not a new manufacturing framework. In this iBlock, students will learn about the history of assembly lines, the future of assembly lines, and then build a robot to function in an assembly line environment.

• Grade Band: 9-12
• Primary Focus: Robotics
• Secondary Focus: Engineering
• Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
• Possible Suggested Technologies: ROBOTIS STEM, Sparkfun, Sphero RVR, UBTECH
• Related Industry Sectors: Scientific Research & Engineering; Manufacturing & Product Development

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

Here is a sample K12 CSTA COMPUTER SCIENCE standard for this iBlock:

Modify, remix, or incorporate portions of an existing program into one’s own work, to develop something new or add more advanced features. (1B-AP-12)

iBlock Objective:

In our technologically advanced society, we can now program robots to compete for us! Students will show off the very best of this new age of technology while learning about the importance of the past. In this iBlock, students will research the history of past sporting events and create robots to compete in specific games for their very own futuristic robotic field day!

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

Here is a sample NYC P12 Science Learning standard for this iBlock:

reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost. (3-5-ETS1-1)

iBlock Objective:

Rube Goldberg Machines accomplish a simple task through an elaborately humorous and overcomplicated method. In this iBlock, challenge your students to think outside the box and discover the unexpected kinetic properties in everyday objects as they design their own Rube Goldberg Machine (RGM). In order to build their contraption, students will research and explore simple machines and chain reactions and how they both relate to the world around them. From ideation to interaction, students will engage in creative thinking, critical reasoning, and teamwork as they engineer these truly unique machines.

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

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Make observations to provide evidence that energy is conserved as it is transferred and/or converted from one form to another. (4-PS3-2.)

iBlock Objective:

Storytelling has been around for centuries — it is a fundamental part of being human and an essential learning tool. Our ancestors would tell stories that were passed down from generation to generation with nothing more than their imaginations. Now, we are still telling the same stories, but in new and innovative ways that both speak to our past and look forward to the future. Students will develop a new story and work through the process of storyline creation, character development, narrative arc, developing props & visuals, and presenting their final product. Finally, students will bring storytelling into the 21st century by coding a robot or program to tell their story!

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

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners; express ideas clearly and persuasively, and build on those of others. (NYS Next Generation ELA Standards, 3-5SL1.)

iBlock Objective:

With the world population estimated at around 7.7 billion, concerns rise over issues like housing, natural resource use, and environmental impact. Tiny houses have emerged as a movement and potential solution to mitigate our demands on energy consumption and our lifestyle footprint. Throughout this iBlock, students will explore energy consumption and efficiency, identify ways in which tiny homes can address efficiency concerns, design and engineer a tiny home solution model, and present their models at their very own home show.

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

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Obtain and combine information from books and other reliable media to explain phenomena. (4-ESS3-1)