zSpace iBlock Topics

Building Literacy: Create a Short Story

iBlock Objective:

Despite the natural fast-paced read element to short stories, this type of literature typically contains the same components of a standard novel including characters, conflict, plot, and a theme. In this iBlock, students will develop a short story using their knowledge of literary elements and work through the process of writing a story: character development, narrative arc, developing visuals, reviewing one another’s work, and presenting their final product.

Grade Band: 6-8
Primary Focus: ELA/Writing
Secondary Focus: Art
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Related Industry Sectors: Arts, Media, & Entertainment, Communication

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

In literary texts, analyze how elements of plot are related, affect one another, and contribute to meaning. (6-8R3; RL)

Building Literacy: Develop a Play

How does a story change when it’s developed into a play? In this iBlock, that’s exactly what students will explore as they become playwrights. Before writing their play, students will take a closer look at the history of theatre and play structure, then they will write and perform an original one-act play. Considerations will be made to set design, costuming, sound, lighting, casting, and blocking. Students can even consider how they could convert their play into a movie. It’s time to “break a leg!”

Grade Band: 9-12
Primary Focus: ELA, Performing Arts
Secondary Focus: Communications
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Possible Suggested Technologies: Glowforge, 3D printer
Related Industry Sectors: Arts, Media & Entertainment, Communications

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Synthesize knowledge from a variety of dramatic forms, theatrical conventions, and technologies to create the visual composition of a drama/ theatre work. (HS Advanced TH:Cr1.1.III a.)

Class Pet

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!

Grade Bands: K-2, 3-5
Primary Focus: Programming
Secondary Focus: Animal Biology, Ecology
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Possible Suggested Technologies: KIBO, Sphero, Ozobot, Wonder Workshop
Related Industry Sectors: Scientific Research & Engineering; Information & Communication Technologies; Manufacturing & Product Development

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)

Clean Water and Sanitation

iBlock Objective:

Across the globe, billions of people lack access to clean water. Among the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, goal number six is to “ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.” Throughout this iBlock, students will explore where drinking water comes from, identify contaminants, and ultimately design and engineer their own water filtration system.

Grade Band: 6-8
Primary Focus: STEM, Science
Secondary Focus: Math
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Possible Suggested Technologies: 3D printer
Related Industry Sectors: Agriculture & Natural Resources; Energy, Environment, & Utilities

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

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Typically, as human populations and per-capita consumption of natural resources increase, so do the negative impacts on Earth unless the activities and technologies involved are engineered otherwise. (Next Generation Science Standards, MS-ESS3-3; MS-ESS3-4

Coding a Classification System

iBlock Objective:

It’s crucial that today’s students become fluent in computer science skills and concepts. In this iBlock, students will build their computer science fluency as they conduct research on a topic of their choosing and develop a fully functional coding application to help them gain a better understanding of their research. Students will utilize computer programming software to go through the process of finding, organizing, classifying, and presenting research. In addition, students will create a visual and written plan for the logic of their program and create a fully functional program that takes user input and answers the student’s original question.

Grade Band: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Primary Focus: Physical Computing and Computer Programming
Secondary Focus: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Possible Suggested Technologies: Piper, pi-top
Related Industry Sectors: Information & Communication Technologies

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering. (HS-ETS1-2)

Designing a Board Game

iBlock Objective:

Board games are experiencing a tremendous revival, fueled by new styles of gaming. A shift from luck and conflict to strategy and cooperation has brought new players into the genre. In this iBlock, students will plan a game, research game mechanics, design their play area and pieces, and then determine how to play-test their creation. Finally, they’ll examine how to package and publicize their game, and maybe even present a sales pitch to interested buyers.

Grade Band: 6-8
Primary Foci: ELA, Engineering
Secondary Foci: Art, Marketing
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Possible Suggested Technologies: 3D printer
Related Industry Sectors: Arts, Media, & Entertainment; Marketing, Sales, & Services

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

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Demonstrate persistence in developing skills with various materials, methods, and artmaking approaches in creating works of art or design. (NYS Learning Standards for the Arts, VA. Cr2.1.7a.)

Engineering 3D Printed Instruments

iBlock Objective:

The sound an instrument produces has a lot to do with the materials that it’s made of. An instrument made of wood has a very different sound than one made of brass. What about a plastic instrument? In this iBlock, students will investigate the science of sound, how instruments produce sound, and the difference materials can make in producing that sound. In addition, students will explore the anatomy of particular instruments, and become familiar with the foundations of music composition and 3D design.

Grade Band: 6-8
Primary Focus: Musical Instruments, Sound Engineering
Secondary Focus: Music
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Possible Suggested Technologies: 3D Printers, Makey Makey
Related Industry Sectors: Scientific Research & Engineering; Manufacturing & Product Development; Arts, A/V Technology & Communication

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

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Generate and compare multiple solutions that use patterns to transfer information. (4-PS4-3)

Fashion for Function: Smart Wearables

iBlock Objective:

Wearable technology has changed quite drastically since the first items hit stores. Some of the most drastic changes and innovations in “smart” wearables have been focused on making them aesthetically pleasing while also serving a purpose, whether that’s fashion, health, or entertainment. In this iBlock, students will design a unique piece of wearable technology that fulfills a function. Who knows — maybe one day it will climb to the top of gift idea lists!

Grade Band: 6-8
Primary Focus: Design, Fabrication, and Engineering
Secondary Focus: ELA and Marketing
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Possible Suggested Technologies: micro:bit, Makey Makey
Related Industry Sectors: Fashion & Interior Design; Marketing, Sales, & Services

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

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. (MS-ETS1-2)

Geometric Self-Watering Planter

iBlock Objective:

Are you looking for a creative, project-based way to teach your students about computer-aided design? In this iBlock, students will construct a geometric self-watering planter in Tinkercad. This project will utilize advanced skills in CAD software and challenge students to think mathematically while designing.

Grade Band: 6-8
Primary Focus: CAD
Secondary Focus: Geometry
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Possible Suggested Technologies: 3D printer, laser cutter, micro:bit soil moisture sensor
Related Industry Sectors: Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources; Marketing, Sales, & Services

Here is a sample NGSS standard for this iBlock:

6-7.G Solve real-life and mathematical problems involving angle measure, area, surface area, and volume.

Growing a Hydroponic Garden

iBlock Objective:

Agriculture has always been one of the building blocks of human civilization. Humanity has changed a lot since civilization first began, and that includes the way we grow our plants. In this iBlock, students will explore different agricultural structures and incorporate emerging resources to cultivate a technologically enhanced botanical space. Students will also tackle challenges like growing plants in space-conscious environments for a rapidly growing population, and together discover the future of sustainable gardening.

Grade Band: 9-12
Primary Focus: Ecology, Engineering
Secondary Focus: STEM
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Possible Suggested Technologies: Farmshelf, pi-top 4
Related Industry Sectors: Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources

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

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems. (HS-ESS3-4)

Jurassic Kids: Design a Dinosaur

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.

Grade Band: K-2
Primary Focus: STEM
Secondary Focus: Science
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Possible Suggested Technologies: 3D Printer, zSpace
Related Industry Sectors: Paleontology, Museum Curation

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]

Mars Colony: Engineering Expedition

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.

Grade Band: 6-8
Primary Focus: Engineering, Social Studies
Secondary Focus: Communication, Math
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Possible Suggested Technologies: Sphero RVR, littleBits, Sparkfun, SAM Labs
Related Industry Sectors: Scientific Research & Engineering; Information & Communication Technology; Transportation

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)

No Poverty and Zero Hunger

iBlock Objective:

When the United Nations created its Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, they stressed the importance of addressing world poverty and hunger. The first goal aims to eliminate poverty, while the second goal aims to end hunger, achieve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture. In this iBlock, students will work to help the UN achieve these goals by designing a window planter that will produce low-cost, high-yield crops in the most efficient manner possible.

Grade Band: 6-8
Primary Focus: STEM
Secondary Focus: Math
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Possible Suggested Technologies: 3D printer, Labdisc
Related Industry Sectors: Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources

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

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Changes in biodiversity can influence humans’ resources, such as food, energy, and medicines, as well as ecosystem services that humans rely on—for example, water purification and recycling. (Next Generation Science Standards, MS-LS2-5)

Reimagining Public Transportation

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.

Grade Band: 3-5
Primary Focus: Forces and Interactions
Secondary Focus: Engineering
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Possible Suggested Technologies: littleBits, Sphero, 3D printer
Related Industry Sectors: Transportation

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)

River Management: Assessing Health

iBlock Objective:

What’s in the water? The world’s rivers and streams are a priceless resource, but various forms of pollution pose a threat to water quality. Scientists carry out studies to determine physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water to get an accurate understanding of water quality. It’s critical that we know the current status of water-quality conditions and how and why those conditions have been changing over time. With a better understanding of water quality, the growing need to protect the world’s water resources may be better understood. So how do scientists assess whether river ecosystems are being protected? What does it entail to study a river’s “health”? In this iBlock, students will engineer a device or system that will sample an environmental parameter that indicates water health.

Grade Band: 3-5
Primary Focus: Science
Secondary Focus: Social Studies
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Possible Suggested Technologies: Labdisc
Related Industry Sectors: Scientific Research & Engineering; Agriculture & Natural Resources; Energy, Environment, & Utilities

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

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect Earth’s resources and environment. (5-ESS3-1)

Space Systems: Create a Model of an Eclipse

iBlock Objective:

The Earth-Sun-Moon system has been studied for thousands of years. The interaction of these celestial bodies impacts our tides, seasons, and perceptions of time. In this iBlock, students explore the size and scale of our solar system and the phenomenon of eclipses. Then, students get to design and construct a model of our Earth-Sun-Moon system using 3D printers, and use that model to recreate a solar and lunar eclipse.

Grade Band: 6-8
Primary Focus: Astronomy, 3D Printing
Secondary Focus: Engineering
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Possible Suggested Technologies: 3D printer
Related Industry Sectors: Scientific Research & Engineering; Manufacturing & Product Development

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.

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

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Develop and use a model of the Earth-Sun-moon system to describe the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, eclipses of the Sun and moon, and seasons. (MS-ESS1-1)

Storytelling Through the Ages

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!

Grade Band: 3-5
Primary Focus: ELA, Writing
Secondary Focus: Computer Science/Coding; Art
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Possible Suggested Technologies: Sphero Bolt, Wonder Workshop (Dash and Dot)
Related Industry Sectors: Arts, Media, & Entertainment; Information Technology

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.)